Frequently Asked Questions

It takes place simultaneously in each region and lasts continuously for 48 hours (2 days).

Competition topics (Challenges) are announced 1 week before the event via the website and our official social media accounts. From the moment the topics are announced, teams are free to conduct literature research, examine datasets and develop ideas.

Registrations are taken through the website. Skills and motivations in the application form are considered in the preliminary selection. Participants under 18 years of age must upload their parental consent forms to the system or submit them to their local leaders during this process, please check the page of your registered local center for details.

Yes, absolutely. Unlike other hackathons; since topics are announced 1 week in advance, we encourage teams to come with preparation close to a concrete project. Design planning, data analysis, business model and literature review can be done. However, the construction and final coding of the project must be completed during the 48-hour event period.

Students, academics, start-ups and anyone interested in space can participate. Age procedures: Those over 18 can register individually. Those between 13-18 can participate by presenting a "Parental Consent Form". Those under 13 must have a parent or legal guardian with them during the event.

There are 4 main categories: Space Technologies, Satellite Systems, Space Research, Astrophysics and Disaster Management. Specific problems (challenges) are published under these categories each year.

Teams can consist of minimum 2, maximum 5 people. Each participant can only be in 1 team. Team members can be selected from different cities or different expertise areas (developer, designer, etc.).

Individual participation is possible, but joining a team is important for your project's success. Before and during the event, local leaders will facilitate individual participants coming together through "Teaming" sessions.

Changes can be made with local leader approval after registrations close. However, the team structure is frozen 12 hours before project submission and members cannot be added or removed.

Each team must create a "Project Submission Page" in the system. The following are mandatory on this page: 1) Project Description and Solution Approach. 2) Project Demo Video (30 sec) or presentation (max 7 pages). 3) Open Source Code Link (GitHub/GitLab etc.). 4) References of Used Data (Citations).

Projects and jury presentations can be prepared in Turkish or English.

Yes. TUA Astro Hackathon supports knowledge sharing. Your project belongs to you, but your code must be presented in an Open Source (e.g., MIT License) shareable repository.

Yes, a PPT/PDF file is required for the jury presentation. However, a presentation file alone is not sufficient; a working prototype or detailed project page is the main evaluation criterion.

Innovation (30%), Technical Depth (25%), Impact Potential (20%), Presentation Quality (15%) and Teamwork (10%). The accuracy of citation in data usage is also considered by the jury.

The event has a hybrid structure. In cases where physical centers are not available, it is conducted with online participation, please check the page of your registered local center for details.

Yes. Our technical and sectoral mentors will be available to answer your questions in physical areas and online channels.

Absolutely. The process is designed to be educational for first-time participants.

Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Teams consisting of different talents such as designers, data analysts and storytellers, not just developers, have a higher chance of success.

You are free to use open data from international agencies like NASA, ESA, as well as TUA data and partner resources. You are required to cite the source of each data you use in your project.

No, participation is completely free.

All intellectual property rights of the project belong to the participants (team). You are free to commercialize your project after the event. However, the rule that the solution you present within the hackathon must be shared in accordance with the open source philosophy is reserved.

Local champions face the TUA jury at the Turkey Final. They can also benefit from mentorship, office support and in-kind awards provided by local partners, please check the page of your registered local center for details.

The best of the local stages compete online in the national final on the specified date. The best ideas from different cities meet on this stage, please check the page of your registered local center for details.

TUA Astro Hackathon applies a zero tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, bullying and threatening behavior. Providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone is essential.

If you encounter a situation that threatens your safety or does not comply with the rules: 1) First, report the situation to your Local Leader at the event venue. 2) If the issue cannot be resolved, send an email directly to support@tuaastrohackathon.com. Your reports will be examined confidentially.

Participants are required to bring their own computers. Food and beverages at physical events are provided by local organizers; please check the page of your registered local center for details.