Learning & joining ideas · News English
Different skills for one space challenge
NASA invites more than computer programmers.
Read the story, check the words, then answer the questions and speak.
A place for different skills
What skill could you bring to a team?
1NASA is inviting people with many different skills to its Space Apps Challenge. In a report published on 15 October 2026, the agency says registration is open. The two-day event is planned for 14 and 15 November.
2The challenge brings teams together to solve problems using NASA’s free, open data. Data means information that people can study and use. Participants choose a challenge that interests them, then work with others to develop an idea.
3You do not have to be a computer programmer. NASA also welcomes designers, storytellers, students and people who enjoy space. People of different ages and experience levels can take part. Both technical skills and creative skills can be useful in this kind of work.
4This year’s topics include the Moon, travel deeper into the solar system and our understanding of the universe. Some challenges explore how to make science information easier to see and understand. Others consider the needs of people on future space missions. A team’s idea is a proposed solution, not an announcement that a real mission has used it. The background picture shows an Earth-data composite from 2012, not this year’s event.
Original teaching summary. Models and practice sentences are illustrative learning examples, not news quotations.
Word help · Three useful words
Read the meanings and examples. Choose one word to use in your own sentence.
skill
something you can do well
Drawing is a useful skill.
data
information used for study
The team studies weather data.
solution
an answer to a problem
We discussed two possible solutions.
Check your reading · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Useful English: both and
We need both ideas and clear explanations. Both A and B includes two things. This is an illustrative practice example.
Describe two skills a useful team needs. Use both and.
Speak: your ideas
Describe two skills a useful team needs. Use both and.
Labelled model answer
Model: A useful team needs both creative ideas and careful planning. I can help explain our idea.
Illustrative learning example, not a news quotation.
Alone: repeat without the model. Tutor: ask a follow-up question.
Mastery check · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Sources and reporting date
NASA report published 15 October 2026 at 12:13:08 EDT (UTC-04:00). November event information is time-sensitive.
- NASA Welcomes All Ages, Experience Levels for Space Apps Challenge
NASA report published 15 October 2026 at 12:13:08 EDT (UTC-04:00). November event information is time-sensitive. - Image source and credit
Background Earth-data composite from six satellite orbits on 23 January 2012. Not the 2026 event.