Competition

RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance

2026 THEME OVERVIEW

The commercial aviation industry is a crucial component of the U.S. economy, playing a vital role in transporting people, intermediate/final goods, and driving demand for various goods and services nationwide. This network enhances the quality of life for the whole country and facilitates business interactions within and globally, boosting productivity and prosperity. However, the industry faces numerous challenges, particularly the need to reduce rising operational costs in a growing market to accommodate increased demand in air travel, e-commerce, and cargo sectors. Issues such as aging aircraft and components, technological advancements, and staffing shortages further complicate these challenges, hindering efforts to balance passenger safety with operational efficiency. To address these challenges, the industry needs to swiftly innovate and implement more efficient and resilient aircraft maintenance practices, including the adoption of new technologies.

In the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, teams will conceptualize novel aviation maintenance advancements that can be implemented by 2035 or sooner with the goal of improving efficiency, safety, and/or costs for the industry. Teams are encouraged to consider high-potential technologies and systems that aren’t currently mainstream or highly regarded as becoming mainstream in the future, imagining beyond the status quo.

NASA Aeronautics is dedicated to working with commercial, industry, and government partners in advancing the capabilities and performance of the U.S. sector. Capabilities and opportunities for improvement include, but are not limited to:  

Aging aircraft and component wear
Advanced monitoring and diagnostic systems
3D printing for replacement parts
Upgrading systems and components (aircraft)

Lifecycle management
Advanced data analytics
Automated compliance checks (regulatory)(aircraft)
Predictive maintenance technologies
Advanced inventory management systems

Initial participation involves a conceptual study, submission of a 5-7 page proposal, and creation of a 2-minute video summarizing the team’s proposal. Based on the review of proposal submissions, up to 8 teams may be selected to receive a $9,000 prize and advance to Phase 2, which includes a final design review at the GBS Forum at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Internship opportunities with NASA’s ARMD serve as the competition prize for members from the winning team. * This is abbreviated theme language, please see the 2026 Competition Guidelines document for full details, requirements, and guidelines.

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) conducts research that generates concepts, tools, and technologies to enable advances in our Nation’s aviation future. ARMD programs facilitate a safer, more environmentally friendly, and efficient national air transportation system.

As a program within NASA ARMD, the University Innovation Project (UI) funds post-secondary-led innovation to address system-level challenges in NASA Aeronautics’ strategic plan, which guides the Aeronautics programs. This is done through NASA-complementary, independent, alternative, and multidisciplinary research. The main UI research opportunities include the University Leadership Initiative (ULI), the University Student Research Challenge (USRC), and NASA’s Gateway to Blue Skies Competition (GBS).

GBS expands engagement between post-secondary institutions and NASA Aeronautics, industry, and government partners by providing an opportunity for multidisciplinary teams of students from all academic levels (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate) and fields to tackle critical challenges and opportunities within the aviation industry through a new project theme each year. The competition is guided by a push toward new technologies and fostering forward-looking, socially responsible aviation.

Phase 1 Submissions

NOTE: Be sure all submissions adhere to Competition Guidelines requirements and that all team members read and agree to the *NEW Participation Agreement

Dates & Deadlines

All deadlines are at 11:59 PM Eastern Time unless otherwise indicated.

Date	Description
November 4, 2025	Notifications of Intent (NOI) Submission Deadline Submit an NOI
November 9, 2025	Deadline to Submit a Question in Advance Submit a Question
November 20, 2025 3:30 - 5:00 PM Eastern	Q&A Session #1 for Interested Teams Join the Q&A Session
January 27, 2026 3:30-4:30 PM Eastern	Q&A Session #2 for Interested Teams Join the Q&A Session

Phase 1: Proposal and Video Submission

Date	Description
February 16, 2026	Deadline to Submit Proposals and Videos Submit a Proposal
March 13, 2026	Teams are notified of their selection status

Phase 2: Final Deliverables and Forum

Date	Description
April 17, 2026	Deadline to Register and Pay for the GBS Forum
May 3, 2026	Deadline to Submit Final Paper and Infographic
May 15, 2026 12:00 PM Eastern	Deadline to Submit Presentation Files
May 18-20, 2026	Tentative Date for 2026 GBS Forum at NASA Langley