In the 2027 GBS Competition, collegiate-level student teams will conceptualize innovative airborne platforms for inspecting land-based (i.e., hard) infrastructure that can be implemented by 2035 or sooner with the goal of improving safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost. NASA welcomes submissions from teams comprised of 2-6 students from accredited U.S.-based postsecondary institutions, including technical colleges, community colleges, colleges, or universities. Teams may be comprised of a combination of full-time or part-time students from any postsecondary academic level and can include senior capstone students, clubs, multi-university teams, or multidisciplinary teams. The competition is divided into phases. Phase 1 participation involves submitting a 5–7-page systems-level concept proposal, along with a 2-minute video summarizing the team’s proposal. Based on the review of Phase 1 submissions, up to 8 teams may be selected to receive a $9,000 prize and advance to Phase 2, where they will present an updated final concept paper and infographic in person at the GBS Forum to a panel of NASA and industry experts. NASA OSTEM internship opportunities* within NASA Aeronautics during the following Spring or Summer semesters serve as the competition prize for members of the winning team.
Competition Process
- Get familiar with the Competition Guidelines: Thoroughly review the Competition Guidelines published on the Competition Website.
- Form a Team: Find a qualified faculty advisor and a team of students with diverse knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the current theme.
- Make sure your team is good to go: Ensure that all team members meet the eligibility requirements stated in the Participation Agreement in the Competition Guidelines.
- Submission | Notice of Intent: Submit a non-binding Notice of Intent (NOI) by the submission deadline to express your interest and receive competition updates.
- Attend a Q&A Session with the Judges: Ask questions and interact with the Competition Co-Chairs prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline.
- Submission | Proposal & 2-minute Video: Proposal and video submissions received by the deadline will be evaluated by competition judges.
- Finalist Team Selections: Up to 8 teams will be selected in Phase 1 to receive a $9,000 prize and advance to Phase 2, where they will present an updated final concept paper and infographic in person at the GBS Forum to a panel of NASA and industry experts. NASA OSTEM internship opportunities* within NASA Aeronautics during the following Spring or Summer semesters serve as the competition prize for members of the winning team.
Judging Criteria
Proposals are evaluated by the Gateways to Blue Skies Judging Panel based on the following criteria:
- Situation Assessment
- Concept of Operations Overview
- Implementation Analysis
- Innovation
- Proposal Compliance
- Composition/Grammar/Cohesion
- Videos are evaluated by the Gateways to Blue Skies Judging Panel based on the following criteria:
- Explanation of Proposed Concept
- Value Proposition
- Overall Impression
For full details of the evaluation criteria, visit the Gateways to Blue Skies Competition Website.
Participate
Website: https://blueskies.nianet.org/competition/
Managing Organization: National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)
The Gateways to Blue Skies competition is open to full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited U.S.-based postsecondary institutions. Teams may include senior capstone students, clubs, and/or multi-university teams. Multidisciplinary teams are highly encouraged to apply.
For full eligibility information, review the Participation Agreement on the Gateways to Blue Skies Competition Website