Join Communities Across the U.S. in Exploring the Wonders of Space
SWFT proudly presents this year’s National Space Day—a dynamic celebration that unites hands-on learning with an inspiring national competition.
SAVE THE DATE: MAY 1, 2026
Hands-On Learning for Tomorrow’s Space Leaders
In collaboration with NASA and the U.S. space industry, teachers across the country lead their classrooms through an immersive experience exploring the science and technology shaping our future—on Earth and beyond. This year, we expand our reach with an engaging competition that invites 7th and 8th grade students to showcase their creativity and ideas for the future of space exploration in the Space Sustainability Competition.
Highlights of National Space Day
Space Sustainability Competition
Begin the celebration by diving into our exciting competition focused on tackling the challenge of orbital space debris. Students are invited to submit creative solutions and innovative ideas, with outstanding entries earning special recognition.
Featured Video
Learn about orbital space debris from leading experts, see winning student entries, and explore the technologies making a real impact in space.
Live In-Person Event
Engage in a live event featuring interactive Q&A sessions with America’s leading space experts and hands-on demonstrations. And stay tuned—National Space Day events to come in your area in the future
2025 winners
National Space Sustainability Competition
Check back soon for information on the next competition!
1st Place
HexaTrap
PVNet Advanced Technology Education Center –
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
- Eugene K. (8th grade)
- Harry K. (7th grade)
- Phillip R. (7th grade)
- Ethan K. (7th grade)
2nd Place
Mycelium Net
PVNet Advanced Technology Education Center –
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
- Max R. (7th grade)
- Jackson S. (7th grade)
- Joseph J. (7th grade)
3rd Place
Orbital Ecosystems Engineers
Stone Hill Middle School –
Ashburn, VA
- Avee C. (7th grade)
- Neil S. (7th grade)
- Vibhav M. (7th grade)
- Aarav P. (7th grade)
National Space Sustainability Competition
Competition Overview
The Space Sustainability Competition invites teams of middle school students to design a solution that tackles the issue of space debris. Teams will work on:
- Developing an Engineering Solution: Students will design a concept to manage or reduce space debris using modeling software or physical representations.
- Creating a Business Plan: Teams will outline a strategy to commercialize their idea, including naming their product and creating outreach ideas to bring their solution to a broader audience.
- Presenting a Video Pitch: Each team will produce a 3-minute video summarizing their solution and showcasing their creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
competition goals
Inspiring Students Through Real-World Space Challenges
By tackling space debris, students realize the space industry is broader than they imagined—opening doors to careers across multiple fields.
Engage in Real-World Issues
Understand and address the challenge of space sustainability through hands-on problem-solving.
Inspire Future Space Careers
Discover how STEM skills connect to diverse roles in a global space industry.
Foster Creativity & Collaboration
Work together to design innovative solutions for complex challenges in space.
Addressing the Need for Space Sustainability
As humanity continues to explore and utilize space, orbital debris — also known as space junk — has become a pressing issue. Today, space debris poses risks to both active satellites and future missions, affecting industries and services that rely on satellite technology, from communication to weather forecasting.
With the space industry projected to grow significantly over the next few decades, solving the problem of orbital debris is essential for safe and sustainable space operations. Careers in the space sector offer exciting and rewarding opportunities, from engineering and technical roles to business, logistics, and communications. However, for the space industry to achieve sustainable growth, we need skilled, innovative thinkers prepared to tackle complex challenges — starting with students who are just beginning their educational journey in STEM.
Engaging Young Minds in Space Careers
The Space Sustainability Competition connects students’ interests in STEM with the practical skills required for a future in the space industry. By exploring the issue of space debris, students can see how various careers contribute to space missions and operations, highlighting the teamwork and diversity of skills that are essential for successful space exploration. While astronauts capture our imagination, the majority of space work is done on Earth by engineers, data analysts, biologists, machinists, and many others who enable space missions.
Through this competition, students gain experience in design, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, positioning them well for future STEM careers. They’ll learn to think like engineers, develop ideas like entrepreneurs, and communicate like professionals, skills that are valuable not only in space but in any future career.
NATIONAL SPACE DAY COMMUNITY EVENT
Celebrate Space Exploration in Colorado Springs
Join us at the second annual National Space Day Community Event hosted at Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs. This free celebration offers hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and inspiring experiences for space enthusiasts of all ages.
When & Where
Saturday, May 2, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Space Foundation Discovery Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Hands-On Activities
Explore interactive STEM exhibits, space technology displays, and educational activities for all ages.
Live Demonstrations
Experience space science in action and connect with industry experts.
Events FAQs
Is the event free?
Yes, admission to Space Foundation Discovery Center and National Space Day Community Event is free thanks to the generosity of RTX (formerly Raytheon).
Do I need to RSVP or register to attend?
No, but you can sign up for event updates and stay in the loop.
What age is this event appropriate for?
This event is for all ages, with activities for kids, families and adults interested in STEM and space exploration.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Yes, food and drinks will be available to purchase from on site vendors
What should I bring to the event?
Comfortable clothing for outdoor activities, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes. Please note, no food or water is allowed inside the SFDC museum space.
Is parking available?
Parking will be available.
Can I volunteer for the event?
Not for one-off events but yes for overall support of SFDC-related events. Yes, we are always looking for volunteers, either for this event or others with Space Foundation.
How can I support this event?
You can support National Space Day by becoming a sponsor, donating to support STEM education, or volunteering.
How do I find out more about next year’s National Space Day?
Sign up for updates on our website to stay informed about next year’s event and other exciting opportunities.
May I bring a drone to the event?
No.