Summary Points
-
First Place Winner: South Dakota State University’s drone-based soil testing and plant leaf extraction project won first place at the 2025 NASA Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, focusing on innovative aviation solutions for U.S. agriculture.
-
Internship Opportunity: The winning team earned internships at four prominent NASA aeronautics centers, providing invaluable experience in their field.
-
Awards and Recognition: The competition featured other notable entries, including the second-place University of Tulsa’s CattleLog system and Boston University’s best technical paper on precision land analysis.
- Competition Goals: Sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, the event aimed to enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience through innovative aviation solutions by 2035.
Winners Announced in NASA’s 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition
A team from South Dakota State University won first place in the 2025 NASA Gateways to Blue Skies Competition. Their project, “Soil Testing and Plant Leaf Extraction Drone,” proposed a drone-based method for soil and tissue sampling. This innovation aims to automate a time-consuming farming task.
The competition took place at the Blue Skies Forum on May 20-21 in Palmdale, California. Eight finalist teams competed, showcasing their proposals for aviation solutions to assist U.S. agriculture. Expert judges from NASA and the industry evaluated the projects.
“This competition encourages students to think creatively and explore new possibilities,” said the assistant project manager for University Innovation at NASA. The event highlighted the dedication of young innovators and their imaginative ideas.
Following their victory, the South Dakota State team members earned internships at various NASA centers during the 2025-26 academic year. “It’s been super-rewarding to see how far we’ve come,” said the team lead. He credited their success to their advisors and thanked everyone who supported them.
Other notable awards included the second place for the University of Tulsa with their CattleLog Cattle Management System and the Best Technical Paper for Boston University’s PLAANT: Precision Land Analysis and Aerial Nitrogen Treatment.
This year’s competition emphasized aviation solutions for agriculture, which aims to enhance production, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to extreme weather. Students presented innovative aviation concepts that could benefit the agriculture industry through 2035 and beyond.
U.S. agriculture plays a crucial role in providing food, fuel, and fiber. However, it faces significant challenges. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate seeks to support advancements in aviation systems to modernize agricultural capabilities.
The Gateways to Blue Skies competition, managed by the National Institute of Aerospace, also provided opportunities for students to engage with NASA experts. Livestreams and information about the finalists are available for those interested in this exciting event.
Expand Your Tech Knowledge
Explore the future of technology with our detailed insights on Artificial Intelligence.
Access comprehensive resources on technology by visiting Wikipedia.
SciV1
