Mission Zero
Rated Intermediate, this free international Astro Pi activity allows young people aged 19 or under to enter individually or in teams of up to four with a mentor. Participants create a short browser-based Python program for an Astro Pi computer aboard the space station. The main challenge is meeting precise coding rules while producing a reliable, creative result.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Beginner Level
6 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
Up to 19
School level
Individuals or teams of up to 4 young people aged 19 and under, supervised by a mentor
Registration method
School or Individual
Competition stages
Mentor registration, browser-based Python program, submission, ISS run, certificate
Fee
Free
Online / in-person
Online
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
8 Sept 2025
Registration closes
23 Mar 2026
Competition starts
1 May 2026
Competition ends
30 Jun 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Mission Zero compresses a remarkable outcome into a deliberately small task. A beginner writes a short Python program in a browser, reads the Astro Pi colour and luminosity sensor and uses that value in a personalised image for astronauts to see. Eligible programs run aboard the International Space Station for a brief slot and participants receive a certificate recording where the ISS was. The organiser says the activity can be completed in a single hour without special hardware or prior coding. That does not make it trivial. Beginners still have to follow exact content and program rules, connect a sensor value to an output and submit through a mentor’s classroom code. The constraint is educationally useful: there is enough structure to finish, but still room for a personal design. CompeteMap sees Mission Zero as one of the strongest first Python experiences for a school, code club or family with an eligible mentor. The goal should be a program the student understands line by line. The space story motivates the work; it should not become an excuse for an adult to take over.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
Mission Zero Step-by-Step Guide
Open resource ↗Official browser-based Python tutorial using the Sense HAT emulator, from first code to submission.
Official · Free · Coding tutorial & emulator · Essential
Mission Zero Mentor Guide
Open resource ↗Support notes for organising teams, explaining the activity and checking entries before submission.
Official · Free · Mentor guide · Essential
Mission Zero Challenge Page
Open resource ↗Current challenge overview, timeline, eligibility and registration route for the classroom mission.
Official · Free · Challenge hub · Recommended