NASA Launches 2026 Competition to Advance Aviation Maintenance

NASA Challenges Students to Modernize Aviation Maintenance

We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the aviation industry where the focus is shifting from merely designing new aircraft to sustaining the fleets currently in our skies. NASA has officially launched the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition, inviting collegiate teams across the United States to address one of the sector’s most critical, yet often overlooked, challenges: Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). Titled “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance,” this year’s competition seeks to revolutionize how the industry approaches the upkeep of increasingly complex commercial fleets.

The initiative, sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and managed by the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), calls upon undergraduate and graduate students to conceptualize innovative systems and practices. The objective is clear: develop solutions that can be deployed by 2035 to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of aviation maintenance. As aircraft technology advances, the methods used to maintain airworthiness must evolve in tandem, moving away from reactive repairs toward predictive and automated solutions.

We recognize that this competition is not just an academic exercise but a strategic response to converging crises within the aerospace sector. From workforce shortages to supply chain disruptions, the pressure on maintenance crews is mounting. By engaging the next generation of engineers, business leaders, and policymakers, NASA aims to inject fresh perspectives into an industry that serves as the backbone of global connectivity.

The “RepAir” Mandate: Solving the MRO Crisis

The theme for the 2026 cycle, “RepAir,” addresses a sector that is projected to grow significantly, with the global MRO market expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. However, this growth comes with substantial hurdles. Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions have drastically extended lead times for critical parts, in some cases beyond a year. Consequently, airlines are forced to fly older aircraft for longer periods, increasing the burden on maintenance teams to ensure these aging airframes remain safe and operational.

Participating teams are tasked with identifying a specific maintenance problem and proposing a system-level solution. These concepts must address at least one of three core pillars: resilience, safety, or efficiency. Resilience involves the ability to recover quickly from disruptions, such as supply chain shocks. Safety focuses on reducing human error and ensuring continuous airworthiness. Efficiency aims to lower costs and reduce turnaround times, which is vital for keeping commercial schedules on track.

Potential avenues for innovation are vast. We anticipate proposals involving predictive maintenance, where AI (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are utilized to forecast part failures before they occur. Other solutions might include advanced monitoring using sensors or drones for automated fuselage inspections, or the creation of “Digital Twins”, virtual replicas of aircraft that allow engineers to simulate repairs before touching the physical hardware. Furthermore, automated compliance systems could be designed to streamline the heavy regulatory paperwork that currently slows down the repair process.

“The aviation maintenance industry is at the heart of what keeps us all flying. Having our future workforce looking into new technologies, creating, and innovating with a focus on this area of our industry will have lasting impacts on the future of aviation.”, Steven Holz, NASA University Innovation Assistant Project Manager & Competition Lead.

Workforce and Strategic Implications

Beyond the technical challenges, the competition highlights a severe human capital issue. The aviation industry is facing a looming workforce crisis, with projections indicating a potential shortfall of up to 20% in maintenance technicians by 2028. As experienced technicians retire, there is an urgent need to attract new talent and equip them with modern tools that can bridge the skills gap. The “RepAir” theme is designed to expose students to these career paths, showing that maintenance is a high-tech field ripe for innovation.

NASA encourages interdisciplinary teams of two to six students to participate. We see this as a crucial element, as solving MRO challenges requires more than just mechanical engineering; it demands insights from computer science for digital systems, business for cost-benefit analysis, and policy studies for regulatory compliance. This holistic approach ensures that the proposed solutions are not only technically feasible but also economically viable and regulatory compliant.

The competition builds on a history of forward-looking challenges. Previous cycles have addressed aviation solutions for agriculture (AgAir), natural disaster response, and clean energy. By shifting the focus to maintenance, NASA is acknowledging that the sustainability of the aviation ecosystem relies as much on how we fix planes as it does on how we build them. The solutions generated in this forum could very well influence the standard operating procedures of the 2030s.

Timeline and Opportunities for Students

The timeline for the 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition is structured to guide students through a rigorous development process. While a Notice of Intent (NOI) is encouraged by November 4, 2025, the critical deadline for submissions is February 16, 2026. By this date, teams must submit a 5-7 page proposal and a 2-minute video detailing their concept. This format mirrors real-world industry bidding processes, providing students with valuable professional experience.

Up to eight finalist teams will be selected in March 2026 to present their concepts at the Blue Skies Forum, scheduled for May 2026 at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. To facilitate their participation, each finalist team will receive a $9,000 stipend. This financial support underscores NASA’s commitment to removing barriers to entry and ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can compete on a national stage.

The stakes are high, with the winning team members receiving offers for internships at one of NASA’s Aeronautics centers for the following academic year. This direct pipeline from university to NASA provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to launch their careers. We view this competition as a vital incubator for the next generation of aerospace leaders, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is ready to tackle the complexities of a modernizing global fleet.

FAQ

What is the theme of the 2026 competition?
The theme is “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance.” It focuses on modernizing Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience.

Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to teams of 2 to 6 undergraduate or graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Team members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What is the submission deadline?
Final proposals and videos must be submitted by February 16, 2026. A non-binding Notice of Intent is encouraged by November 4, 2025.

What are the prizes?
Up to 8 finalist teams receive a $9,000 stipend to attend the forum at NASA Langley. Members of the winning team are offered internships at NASA Aeronautics centers.

Sources: NASA