Mission Space Lab
Rated Advanced, this international Astro Pi challenge is for teams of two to six young people aged 19 or under with a mentor. Teams write and test Python code that uses space-station sensor or camera data to calculate orbital speed. The main challenge is building a reliable scientific method, validating calculations and meeting strict program constraints.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced 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
Teams of 2-6 young people aged 19 and under, supervised by a mentor
Registration method
School or Individual
Competition stages
Mentor registration, Python program development, submission, flight-status assessment, ISS deployment, data/certificates
Fee
Free
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
14 Sept 2026
Registration closes
22 Feb 2027
Competition starts
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition ends
Not yet announced by the organiser
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Mission Space Lab offers a rare constraint: the program is not merely judged—it may run on a computer aboard the International Space Station. Teams write Python to collect sensor readings or images, then use the resulting data for a space-science investigation. Every eligible program receives a limited orbital run, so reliability and scientific purpose have to coexist. The official guides allow original investigations or supported project routes. Teams test against historical mission data in the Astro Pi Replay Tool before submission. That simulator is not just a technical hurdle; it asks whether the chosen signal will vary enough to answer the question. The organiser warns that some environmental sensors change little inside the controlled ISS, while camera and motion-related data may be more informative. CompeteMap recommends Mission Space Lab to teams with basic Python experience and a mentor who can sustain a multi-stage project. The impressive outcome—code running in space—should not obscure the real work: choosing a measurable question, handling imperfect data and producing software safe enough for flight status.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
Mission Space Lab Resources
Open resource ↗Official hub containing the creator guide, worksheet, mentor guide and sensor, camera and data projects.
Official · Free · Learning resource hub · Essential
Mission Space Lab Rulebook
Open resource ↗Current requirements, permitted hardware and software, judging conditions and submission rules.
Official · Free · Rulebook · Essential
Mission Space Lab Challenge Page
Open resource ↗Official mission overview and timeline for designing an experiment that runs aboard the ISS.
Official · Free · Challenge hub · Recommended
Mission Space Lab Replay Tool
Open resource ↗Online environment for replaying a program against Astro Pi data before final submission.
Official · Free · Code testing tool · Recommended
Source information
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