Questions & Answers

• How much does the event cost?

  It's completely free to participate. We're working with sponsors to make the event free of charge.

• Are you looking for volunteers or mentors?

  Absolutely! If you're interested in helping out at the event, email us here.

• How do I form a team, and how big should it be?

  Start by taking a good look through the challenges and select a few that interest you. Two weeks before the event, all registrants will receive login information to an online collaboration place, where prospective team members can find each other and start strategizing. Of course, you can also just show up to the venue on Friday and form a team there too.

• How will I know what someone else’s specialty is?

  Networking is important here. To put a great team together, you’ll have to walk around and talk to people. There will be a system at the event for identifying people with certains skills, but you’ll need to talk to people to find out exactly what they can offer.

• What kind of prototypes did people build last year?

  You can view our past winners, and their prototypes, here.

• What time should I get there on Friday?

  Try to arrive at 6:00pm to register early, and so you have a chance to start networking with other attendees.

• How do I get there?

  We will announce the venue as soon as possible..

• Is there free parking?

  We will announce the venue as soon as possible.

• Do I need to bring a computer?

  Yes, make sure you bring a computer. Laptops are preferred of course but bring what you need to get the job done. Your computer will need to connect to wireless internet networks at the venue.

• I’m doing a hardware challenge! Do I need to bring my own supplies and tools?

  Mostly. You’ll need to bring any components and supplies you’ll need to build your prototype. We’ll have tool stations set up for common use, and will list them here well before the event.

• Anything else I should bring?

  A notebook for designing stuff! And if you have an extra extension cord and/or power strip that’s always helpful.

• Will food be provided?

  The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a free event, and we depend on sponsorship to provide amenities like food to participants. At the moment, the plan is to provide only snacks, but we’re working on changing that. The event is within easy walking distance of many great food options on Elgin street, and others nearby.

• Twitter?

  If you tweet about this event, please use the #SpaceApps and #SpaceAppsOttawa hashtags so we can include you in any awesome displays, and to make it easier for others to connect with you. Please follow the official Space Apps Ottawa feed (https://twitter.com/SpaceAppsOttawa) to stay up-to-date on the event.

• The Ottawa Space Apps Challenge is in Ottawa. In what way is this an international event?

  Ottawa is one of nearly 200 cities participating in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. While we definitely want to earn some bragging rights for our city, there will also be opportunities to build multi-city teams with team members working across more than one city.
  Once local winners are announced (incl. multi-city teams) on Sunday evening, NASA will select a number of best-of apps over different categories.

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