Girls Go STEM Student Challenge 2026 to Solve the Space Debris Crisis

As satellites continue to transform communication, navigation, climate monitoring, and scientific research, another problem is growing silently above Earth—space debris. Millions of fragments from retired satellites, rockets, and previous collisions now orbit the planet, creating serious risks for future space missions.

Now, students have the chance to become part of the solution.

The Girls Go STEM Student Challenge 2026 has officially opened applications, inviting girls from across participating countries to develop innovative engineering ideas that could make future space technologies safer and more sustainable. Rather than being another classroom competition, this challenge asks participants to tackle a genuine engineering problem currently facing the global space industry.

Selected finalists will earn the opportunity to present their ideas before STEM experts, innovators, and fellow students during the EIT Women and Girls in STEM Forum in Prague this November.

What Is the 2026 Student Challenge About?

This year’s challenge focuses on one of the fastest-growing concerns in the global space sector: space debris.

Participants are asked to redesign a single spacecraft component so that if it fails in orbit, it creates as little dangerous debris as possible. Instead of preventing failure altogether, applicants are encouraged to rethink what happens after failure and develop safer engineering solutions.

Teams may redesign components such as:

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively by proposing ideas such as:

• Materials that safely burn up during atmospheric re-entry.
• Components designed to fragment into less hazardous pieces.
• Pressure-release mechanisms that prevent explosions.
• Alternative engineering designs that reduce orbital debris.

What Participants Must Submit?

Each team will prepare a complete project consisting of:

• A design drawing or simple 3D model.
• Explanation of the materials selected.
• Analysis showing what happens if the component fails.
• A presentation slide deck.
• A one-minute video pitching the idea.
• Signed consent forms from every participant (parent or guardian signatures required for minors).

Why This Competition Stands Out?

Unlike many STEM competitions that focus only on theoretical concepts, the Girls Go STEM Student Challenge places students in the role of aerospace engineers solving a problem that affects every future satellite launch.

Teams selected for the final event will receive the opportunity to:

• Present their solution live on stage at the Girls Go STEM annual event.
• Attend hands-on STEM workshops.
• Participate in mentoring sessions with experts.
• Build international connections with students, innovators, and researchers from across Europe.
• Showcase their engineering ideas during the EIT Women and Girls in STEM Forum in Prague.

For many young participants considering future studies in aerospace engineering, robotics, environmental science, or technology, the competition also provides valuable experience in innovation, teamwork, public speaking, and design thinking.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements.

How to Participate?

The application process has been designed to guide students from learning to innovation.

1. Complete two introductory Girls Go STEM courses and one additional STEM course on the learning platform.
2. Form a team of two to four girls.
3. Download the official PowerPoint or Canva presentation template.
4. Create your engineering design and explain your solution.
5. Record a one-minute video presenting your idea.
6. Collect consent forms from all participants.
7. Upload the completed application before the deadline.

How Projects Will Be Judged?

Judges will evaluate every submission using four major criteria.

Learn Before You Design

Students who are new to space engineering are encouraged to complete the online learning course “Space Debris: From Orbital Chaos to Sustainable Space”, available through the Sky, Space & Beyond learning pathway before starting the challenge.

The course introduces the science behind orbital debris and provides useful background knowledge that can strengthen project ideas.

Application Deadline

The last date to submit applications for the Girls Go STEM Student Challenge 2026 is 27 July 2026 at 13:00 CET. Eligible teams must complete the online application, upload all required materials, and submit the mandatory consent forms before the deadline.