A behind-the-scenes look at how student-built creations make it to the International Space Station.

When a HUNCH team pursues an idea, they’re stepping into a real NASA pipeline. HUNCH gives students the opportunity to design and build equipment that astronauts will actually use in space or on the ground.

Problem-Driven Innovation

NASA HUNCH Students are provided with real-world challenges faced by astronauts and engineers. Instead of simply following instructions, students are given a problem statement and tasked with brainstorming, researching, and prototyping their own solutions.

This approach mirrors how NASA engineers work: starting with a clearly defined need and innovating from the ground up.

For example:

- A crew might need a more effective mounting port for cameras and computers.

- Astronauts may require a redesigned tape dispenser that’s easier and more efficient to use in microgravity.

- Some astronauts experience discomfort from hooking their feet on handrails, creating the need for a more ergonomic solution.

All of these are real challenges that HUNCH students have successfully solved, with their creations now actively used aboard the ISS. By solving these challenges, students build real-world skills while making meaningful contributions to human spaceflight.

From Idea to Flight-Ready

Projects move through milestone reviews, mirroring NASA’s engineering process:

Preliminary Design Review (PDR): Present ideas, research, and early prototypes.

Critical/Final Design Review (CDR/FDR): Refine and test designs before fabrication or submission.

Students fabricate hardware to NASA specifications with mentorship from the HUNCH team. For flight hardware, NASA applies strict safety and integration reviews to ensure astronaut safety and ISS compatibility. These steps are the same ones professional engineers go through before hardware can fly.

Launching to the ISS

After final approval, flight-ready items are integrated into NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services missions, such as SpaceX Dragon, Northrop Grumman Cygnus, or soon, Sierra Space Dream Chaser. Once on orbit, astronauts put these student-built tools to work as part of station life.

HUNCH isn’t a simulation - these projects fly for real. Students gain hands-on engineering experience while NASA benefits from innovative, cost-effective solutions. Every flight item represents teamwork, precision, and the next generation of space explorers stepping up to meet the challenge.