NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies Competition (Sneak Peek)

SNEAK PEEK of NASA's 2027
Gateways to Blues Skies Theme:
InfraAir | Aviation for Infrastructure Inspection

Full Challenge Details will be Available Mid-August

NASA's 2027 Gateways to Blue Skies logo

Some details may be subject to change.

NASA’s 2027 Gateways to Blue Skies (GBS) competition is calling on collegiate student teams to create innovative solutions for inspecting the infrastructure systems that sustain our nation (transportation, energy, water, etc.), helping ensure these critical assets are kept safe and operational. 

Your challenge: conceptualize innovative airborne platforms for improving the inspection of land-based infrastructure by 2035.  

NASA wants teams to go beyond traditional and standard Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) inspection and create novel airborne systems to improve current inspection practices. Teams can utilize a mix of traditional technologies, automation, robotics, sensors, and other emerging technologies.  

Your submission should show us: 

Problem and Solution: The infrastructure inspection area(s) your system addresses, use cases, and the proposed airborne system. 

Concept of Operations: Detail the complete mission profile, from deployment and data collection to system recovery and data processing. 

Implementation: Explain how your design integrates into the current inspection industry practices. 

Path to Deployment: Use today’s regulatory and technological environment as your launchpad toward real-world deployment. 

This is your chance to help shape the future of infrastructure inspection. Students are encouraged to begin forming teams, doing background research, and speaking with industry professionals. 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is limited to teams of students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Community colleges, technical colleges, and multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to apply! Full eligibility guidelines will be available on the website in mid-August.

Each team must consist of one faculty advisor affiliated with the lead U.S.-based college or university and 2-6 student members, each of whom must be 18 years or older by the time of submission.

PRIZES

In Phase 1, up to 8 teams will receive $9,000 each and advance to Phase 2.

In Phase 2, members of the winning team will be offered NASA internships! (Additional eligibility requirements apply).

Dates and Deadlines

Phase 1
DateDescription
October 7, 2026Notifications of Intent (NOI) Submission Deadline
October 18, 2026Deadline to Submit a Question in Advance
November 5, 2026
3:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern		Q&A Session #1 for Interested Teams
January 27, 2027
3:30-4:30 PM Eastern		Q&A Session #2 for Interested Teams
February 22, 2027Proposal & Video Deadline

Phase 2

DateDescription
April 23, 2027
5 PM Eastern		Deadline for Hotel Reservations at the GBS Group Rate
April 23, 2027Deadline for Online Registration & Meal Payment for the GBS Forum
May 10, 2027Deadline to Submit Final Paper & Infographic
May 20, 2027
12:00 PM Eastern		Deadline to Submit Presentation Files
May 24, 2027Forum Finalist Team Check-in and Dinner/Networking Activity
May 25-26, 20272027 GBS Forum

Through GBS, NASA hopes to reach as many college students as possible, including students from technical schools. Submissions are encouraged from all majors/fields and academic levels (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate).

QUESTIONS? Contact the GBS Program Team at blueskies@nianet.org

NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). GBS is sponsored by NASA Aeronautics’ University Innovation Project.