The 2026-2027 Dream with Us Design Challenge, organized by NASA, invites middle and high school students to participate in a project focused on the theme “Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems.” This initiative aims to explore the integration of new aircraft fuels, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG), into the aviation sector, addressing the need for increased safety, affordability, and efficiency in air travel. The challenge opens on September 25, 2026, and submissions for middle school teams will be accepted until January 22, 2027. More details can be found at www.nasa.gov.
Challenge Overview
The Dream with Us Challenge encourages students to design an airport that accommodates both LNG and traditional aviation fuel. Middle school teams, consisting of 2-4 members, will either adapt an existing airport or create a new one, incorporating essential features such as control towers, hangars, fuel locations, terminals, passenger parking, and runways. The challenge emphasizes the need for innovative designs that reflect the evolving landscape of aviation fuel sources and airport infrastructure.
Submission Guidelines
Teams must submit their designs through the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage. Each submission will include a technical presentation and a creative advertisement for the proposed airport modifications. The technical presentation should detail the airport layout and the changes made to accommodate multiple fuel types, focusing on safety and operational benefits. The creative component can take various forms, such as a video, brochure, or infographic, aimed at promoting the advantages of the new airport design.
Eligibility and Requirements
The challenge is open to students in grades 6-8 attending public, private, parochial, and home schools in the United States, as well as children of U.S. military members stationed overseas. Each team must have a registered adult sponsor, and all participants are required to submit signed permission forms. Notably, the use of artificial intelligence tools for any part of the challenge is prohibited, ensuring that all submissions are the original work of the students.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be evaluated by industry experts based on criteria such as impact, practicality, originality, and communication effectiveness. Winners will be announced during a virtual awards reception, with further details to be provided on the challenge webpage.
For more information about the challenge and to support participating teams, educators and students are encouraged to stay updated through the Dream with Us Design Challenge webpage. Questions can be directed to the NASA Aeronautics STEM team via email.
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