Create a challenge that, if solved, would incentivize the creation of personalized performance management systems that would maintain and enhance peak human performance in varying conditions on Earth, in space, or on the Moon or beyond.
Focus on defining the problem, not solving it. The solution topic you create will be the focus of student innovation efforts in the next 18 months.
Understanding why this matters helps you see the bigger picture and focus your topic on challenges that align with NASA’s mission.
Space is one of the most challenging environments for the human body. Astronauts not only face well-known issues like muscle deterioration and bone density loss, but also experience short-term neurological changes that can affect cognitive performance. And while some of these impacts are understood, others are yet to be discovered. To keep our crews safe and mission-ready, innovative solutions that tackle both the physical and neurological challenges of space travel are needed.
For peak physical performance, smart platforms could deliver personalized, dynamic workouts and/or mental training regimens designed to build strength, resilience, knowledge, and endurance even in isolated, off-world, or low-gravity conditions. For example, automatically adjusting resistance levels during exercises to overcome everything being lighter due to gravity or provide real-time posture guidance during complex tasks like habitat construction.
Physical conditioning is just one piece of the puzzle. Cutting-edge wearable technologies could also continuously monitor an astronaut’s biomechanics, energy expenditure, and even neurological performance. Machine learning algorithms could analyze this real-time data to detect subtle imbalances—whether in movement patterns or cognitive signals—that might signal early indicators of things like stress or fatigue. With these insights, the system could recalibrate training regimens on the fly to prevent issues before they become serious.
Ultimately, the goal of peak physical and mental performance isn’t just survival or mission success; it’s about empowering people to truly thrive in any environment they encounter.
These top five core requirements for success highlight the key factors your solution topic should address to help us build the foundation while also offering solutions that can benefit us here on Earth today.
Provide continuous and accurate assessment of the aerobic fitness, muscle strength, bone health, neurological health, and sensorimotor health of the astronauts.
Operate in extreme conditions including in the presence of varying degrees of gravity, radiation exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations and extended periods of use.
Be adaptable for use in different contexts that vary in distance and difficulty, including on Earth, in low-Earth orbit, on extended lunar surface missions, and eventually Mars and deep space missions.
Make real-time recommendations for the best strategy(ies) to improve neurological and physical performance, and adjust for changes in stressors and environmental conditions.
While mitigating deconditioning, the solution should also combat the potential for boredom and mental fatigue of the astronauts. Wider benefits such as training, stress relief, and social interaction should also be considered.
Provide continuous and accurate assessment of the aerobic fitness, muscle strength, bone health, neurological health, and sensorimotor health of the astronauts.
Make real-time recommendations for the best strategy(ies) to improve neurological and physical performance, and adjust for changes in stressors and environmental conditions.
Operate in extreme conditions including in the presence of varying degrees of gravity, radiation exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations and extended periods of use.
While mitigating deconditioning, the solution should also combat the potential for boredom and mental fatigue of the astronauts. Wider benefits such as training, stress relief, and social interaction should also be considered.
Be adaptable for use in different contexts that vary in distance and difficulty, including on Earth, in low-Earth orbit, on extended lunar surface missions, and eventually Mars and deep space missions.
How does your topic create meaningful change? The most compelling solution topics bridge the needs of Earth and the demands of space, offering scalable, impactful answers to humanity's biggest challenges. Before diving into feasibility, consider how your topic can shape the world today while paving the way for tomorrow.
Is your topic realistic? Even the most transformative ideas need to be grounded in feasibility. This is about asking the practical questions. Great solution topics are ambitious but achievable within a defined scope.
Can measurable progress be made within 18 months?
Does it rely on existing tools and technology, or those likely available by 2027?
Is your topic specific, focused, and actionable?
Is it practical within budget, manpower, and material constraints?
Can it be scaled for use across regions or contexts?
Does it address a real-world problem with the potential for meaningful impact?
On Earth, these technologies are transforming how we train, recover, and prevent injuries in high-performance and high-risk environments. AI-driven telemedicine is making remote rehabilitation more effective, wearable safety tech is reducing workplace injuries, and advanced sports science is pushing the limits of human performance. By refining these systems, we’re not just improving healthcare and safety today—we’re creating smarter, more adaptive solutions that enhance resilience for athletes, workers, and patients in demanding conditions.