Are detailed AI prompts allowed before the hackathon?

[alex-slovakia]

Hi NASA Space Apps Team!

Can we prepare detailed Markdown specifications (PRODUCT.md, GAMEPLAY.md, AGENTS.md) and ready-to-use AI coding prompts before November 14, if we generate absolutely no code, assets, or playable content until the official 9:00 AM start?

Would writing these detailed prompts itself count as starting the project early?

We want to make sure we fully follow the rules. A clear yes/no would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[Lightovic]

Hi @alex-slovakia,

Thanks for checking this in advance! It's great that your team wants to make sure everything follows the competition rules.

There is an existing clarification from Paula (GO Team) in Discussion #1827:

#1827

According to that guidance, participants can select their challenge, review available resources, research the topic and form their teams before the hackathon.

However, teams must refrain from starting work on their actual projects before the official November 14 start time. Working ahead can lead to disqualification.

Regarding your specific situation:

Although you are not generating code, assets or playable content, preparing detailed project-specific specifications such as PRODUCT.md, GAMEPLAY.md and AGENTS.md, together with ready-to-use AI coding prompts, could go beyond general research and preparation.

The existing guidance does not explicitly clarify whether these particular activities are permitted.

My recommendation would be to avoid preparing project-specific implementation specifications and ready-to-use coding prompts before the official start unless the GO Team confirms otherwise in writing.

You can still use the time before the hackathon to research the topic, review NASA resources, explore general game-development concepts and organise your team.

I have flagged your specific question for confirmation from the GO Team so that you can proceed with confidence and avoid any risk to your team's eligibility.

Thank you for being proactive and checking the rules beforehand!

Happy hacking! 🚀

[Madison-GO-Team]

Hi @alex-slovakia! We appreciate the enthusiasm of participants, but we ask that teams refrain from starting on their projects until the start of the official November 14-15 hackathon (Saturday, 9am local time of your Local Event; if Universal Event, start time is Saturday, 9am of the Team Owner’s area of residence).

Working ahead of the hackathon can lead to disqualification.

However, before the hackathon starts, you may select a challenge to work on, review the resources, research the topic, and form your team based on the skills you think are needed.

We encourage all participants to utilize the full 2 days (November 14-15) to build their projects - working until the deadline.