NASA Space Apps Challenge 2025

About ExoLab

Transforming complex exoplanet data into immersive, interactive experiences for education and discovery

The Challenge

The universe of exoplanets has grown rapidly, with NASA confirming over 6,000 worlds beyond our Solar System. Despite this acceleration in discoveries—driven primarily by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and previous missions like Kepler—detailed scientific information about these worlds remains technical, fragmented, and difficult to visualize for the general public and students.

ExoVerse bridges this gap, transforming raw and complex data into an interactive and accessible journey, fulfilling the goal of increasing public engagement and understanding of exoplanet science.

Our Solution

3D Visualization

Real-time 3D rendering of exoplanets with scientifically accurate parameters, orbital mechanics, and host star interactions.

AI Generation

Machine learning models generate photorealistic planet textures based on temperature, composition, size, and stellar characteristics.

Real NASA Data

Live integration with NASA Exoplanet Archive, updated with the latest discoveries from TESS, Kepler, and JWST missions.

Data Sources

The NASA Exoplanet Archive serves as our foundation, providing the comprehensive database of confirmed planets. We integrate data from multiple transit detection missions, including:

🛰️ TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)

Near real-time exoplanet candidates (TOIs - TESS Objects of Interest) discovered by surveying the brightest stars near Earth.

🔭 Kepler & K2 Missions

Historical catalogs providing essential time-series data and thousands of confirmed exoplanets from deep space surveys.

🌌 JWST (James Webb Space Telescope)

Metadata and target information from the most powerful space observatory ever built. JWST is crucial for exploring distant worlds and characterizing the potential for life on planets around other stars.

Note: Canada contributed the NIRISS scientific instrument and FGS guidance sensor to JWST, enabling groundbreaking exoplanet atmospheric studies.

All data is regularly updated as new discoveries are validated and published by the astronomical community.

Technology Stack

Frontend & 3D

  • Next.js

    React framework with server-side rendering and optimal performance

  • Three.js & React Three Fiber

    Real-time 3D graphics rendering with WebGL acceleration

  • TypeScript

    Type-safe development for robust code quality

Backend & AI

  • Python & FastAPI

    High-performance API for data processing and ML inference

  • Machine Learning Models

    Neural networks for exoplanet classification and texture generation

  • NASA Exoplanet Archive API

    Real-time access to validated exoplanet data and discoveries

Our Team: Cosmic Hackers

São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

We are a multidisciplinary team of developers and data scientists from São José do Rio Preto (SP), united by the mission to use technology to democratize space science and inspire the next generation of scientists.

M

Mateus Baroni

Full Stack Developer

L

Luan Batista

AI/ML Engineer

Y

Yhan Pena

3D Graphics Developer

L

Leandro Aguiar

Data Scientist

O

Otavio Teixeira

Backend Engineer

Our Expertise

🤖
Data Science & AI

Processing physical parameters (temperature, size, stellar type) and generating photorealistic planet textures with scientific accuracy.

💻
Immersive Development

Building ExoVerse 3D Explorer with Next.js and Three.js, ensuring engaging and high-quality interactive visualization.

Our Mission & Goals

Our goal is to demonstrate the potential of NASA's open science initiative and inspire the next generation of scientists by making exoplanet research accessible, engaging, and educational for everyone.

🏆 Best Use of Science

The project that makes the best and most valid use of science and/or the scientific method.

🏆 Best Use of Data

The project that best makes space data accessible or leverages it for a unique application.

🏆 Best Use of Technology

Leveraging cutting-edge 3D rendering, AI generation, and real-time data integration to create an unprecedented educational experience.

🏆 Galactic Impact

The project with the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.

Live NASA Data Integration

NASA Exoplanet Data