Space Station Research Explorer
Search a database of experiments performed on the space station, and learn about each experiment’s objective, result and more.
You can also download the app version for your iOS or Android device.
Participate virtually in our third annual competition in partnership with NASA
Have your students connect and learn together remotely to let their imaginations reach new heights by solving this unique challenge during the 20th anniversary of humans on the International Space Station (ISS):
Propose a way to automate or optimize a process or product for living and working on the ISS. Then use coding and Texas Instruments (TI) technology to design and build a model of the solution.
The space station is a proving ground for future Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars. Become a part of the Artemis generation and take the next giant leap!
Win TI technology and more
Grand prize
Each member of the winning team will receive a TI-Innovator™ Rover and their choice of a TI graphing calculator. Plus, the adult sponsor will receive a $250 gift card.
The top teams will receive a trip to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Random drawings
Every team that submits a proposal in the first stage of the contest is eligible to win NASA-themed items plus each member’s choice of TI graphing calculator.
It’s simple to get started and easy to do remotely
Judging at each stage is unique, but always focused on creativity, clarity and relevancy to life on the International Space Station or future space exploration. View full contest rules »
Stage 1: Pitch your idea
Connect teams virtually for this first stage. Teams consist of up to five students, ages 13–19, plus an adult sponsor. (A sponsor can be a teacher, parent or other adult who can mentor students remotely.) Then, determine which process or product your team wants to automate or optimize that would help the International Space Station.
Check out the resources from NASA featured at the bottom of this page to boost your ideas.
When the students have an idea worked out, register your team below and submit a proposal.
Deadline for submissions: May 31, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Central time.
Stage 2: Plan and design
Up to 150 teams from the first stage will be invited to submit full project plans and designs.
Those moving on to the next stage will be notified via the adult sponsor’s email address.
Stage 3: Build your project
Up to 25 teams will bring their ideas to life. The advancing groups will each receive TI technology, a $50 gift card for materials, and consultation time with NASA and TI experts. Each team must create and submit a video highlighting their completed project.
Note: The timing of this stage will depend on the situation surrounding COVID-19.
Stage 4: Voting
Judges will select up to 15 videos for the public to vote on to determine who advances to the fifth, and final stage.
Stage 5: Presentations
Based on the public votes, the top teams will be offered a trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. There, the final teams will present their projects in person to scientists, engineers and VIP judges from NASA and TI, and the grand prize winning team will be selected.
Note: The timing of this stage will depend on the situation surrounding COVID-19.
Here are some helpful resources from NASA:
International Space Station
From space station updates, to cool videos, images and more, visit NASA’s page for all ISS-related information.
Artemis Generation
Get ready to explore the Moon and Mars as part of the Artemis Generation.
STEM on Station
Discover how to bring space into your classroom with lesson plans, activities, videos, images and the latest ISS news.
Be sure to check out STEMonstrations. These STEM demonstrations on the space station cover topics such as spacewalking, solar energy, water filtration and more.
NASA robotics
At NASA, technology drives exploration. They seek to advance space exploration, science and aeronautics, as well as create solutions that generate benefits for life on Earth.
As part of that advancement, NASA developed the Astrobee — a free-flying robotic system — to work alongside astronauts on the ISS.
Be inspired!
Enter your team into the NASA and TI Codes Contest today.
For contest-related inquiries, please email CodesContest@ti.com
