NASA Citizen Scientist Program 2027
Asteroid Search Program
Become a NASA Citizen Scientist and discover real asteroids using professional astronomical software and real telescope images.
A real research collaboration, built for students
Run by Smartcircuits Innovation in partnership with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) — a NASA citizen science program — this initiative gives students hands-on access to real telescope data and the chance to make genuine astronomical discoveries.
Real Telescope Images
Analyze genuine data from Pan-STARRS and Catalina Sky Survey, the same imagery used in real NEO research.
Scientific Research Experience
Learn professional data analysis and asteroid-search software used by working citizen scientists worldwide.
Asteroid Discovery
Contribute directly to NASA's Near-Earth Object Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena.
Everything you need to search for real asteroids
Professional Asteroid Search Software
Real NASA Telescope Images
Guided Video Training
Practice Image Set
Scientific Data Analysis
Expert Mentorship
International Recognition
NASA Citizen Scientist Experience
Certificate of Participation
Work with images straight from professional sky surveys
Every campaign image comes from active NASA-affiliated survey programs — not simulations.
Learn the exact software professional citizen scientists use
Step-by-step guided training gets you comfortable with the workflow before the live campaign begins.
Who can join?
The program is open to anyone curious about astronomy who meets the following simple requirements — no prior coding background needed.
- 🎓 Students, Class 6 onwards
- 🏛️ College / University students
- 🔭 Space Enthusiasts
- 👩🏫 Teachers
- 💻 Windows Laptop or Desktop
- 📶 Stable internet connection
- 🖱️ Basic computer skills
- ⏱️ 1 hour daily during the campaign
Your journey from registration to real discovery
Register
Fill out the enrollment form with your details before August 5, 2026.
Choose a Plan & Pay
Pick Self-Paced (₹999) or Mentor-Led (₹2499) and complete payment to secure your seat.
Dashboard Access
Instantly unlock your personal student dashboard.
Download Software
Install the asteroid-search software on your Windows PC.
Watch Training Video
Follow the guided walkthrough at your own pace.
Practice Image Set
Sharpen your skills on a dedicated practice dataset.
Submit Practice Set
Email your completed practice files for review.
Receive Campaign Images
Get real NASA/IASC telescope images for the live campaign.
Search Real Asteroids
Begin your search — and contribute to genuine NASA research.
Spot moving objects across successive sky images
You'll learn to identify the tell-tale motion that separates asteroids from background stars.
Guided training with expert support throughout
Structured video training plus ongoing expert support keeps you moving with confidence.
Two ways to join. Everything included.
Learn at your own pace with expert-made video training, or get live one-on-one guidance from a mentor throughout the program.
₹1499
one-time registration fee
- ✓ Asteroid Search Software
- ✓ Expert-Made Instruction Video
- ✓ Personal Student Dashboard
- ✓ Practice Image Set
- ✓ Expert Support
- ✓ Certificate of Participation
₹2499
one-time registration fee
- ✓ Asteroid Search Software
- ✓ Live Virtual Training with a Mentor
- ✓ Personal Student Dashboard
- ✓ Practice Image Set
- ✓ Priority Mentor Support
- ✓ Certificate of Participation
⏳ Last date for registration: August 5, 2026 · Program runs August 7 – September 1, 2026
Already know how to use Astrometrica?
If you already know how to use Astrometrica software, you can participate free of cost in our upcoming campaigns — no registration fee, no training required.
Fill out the Free Participation Form to request free participation, or write to us at asteroidsearchsci@gmail.com.
Past students have made confirmed preliminary discoveries
Program alumni have gone on to receive provisional and preliminary asteroid designations.
International recognition for top discoveries
Outstanding students are recognized with named awards, mementos, and cash prizes.
Certificate & Recognition
A premium, internationally recognized achievement
Every participant is recognized across multiple respected institutions in astronomy and citizen science.
Frequently asked questions
Need Help?
Mr. Raghav Sharma is here to help with any questions about the program.
