By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A decorated Costa Rican aerospace engineer with over 15 years of experience at NASA is set to inspire a new wave of local innovators. Brandon Marsell will deliver the inaugural address for the NASA Space Apps Challenge Costa Rica 2025, a global hackathon designed to tackle challenges on Earth and in space using open-source data.
Marsell’s keynote speech, titled “Beyond Borders: A Tico Engineer in Space Exploration,” will be streamed live this Friday, October 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. While specifically aimed at motivating the hackathon participants, the presentation will be accessible to the general public via the Space Apps Pura Vida Facebook page. The 45-minute virtual conference serves as a powerful kickoff for a weekend dedicated to science, technology, and collaborative problem-solving.
As innovators and entrepreneurs across the country gear up for the NASA Space Apps Challenge, questions about intellectual property and the commercial viability of their creations come to the forefront. To shed light on these critical aspects, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective on navigating the path from a hackathon project to a successful enterprise.
Events like the NASA Space Apps Challenge are incredible incubators for innovation. However, participants must move beyond the technical solution and consider the legal framework from day one. Defining intellectual property ownership among team members and having a clear roadmap for potential commercialization are not afterthoughts; they are the foundational steps that transform a brilliant hackathon idea into a viable, legally protected business venture in Costa Rica’s growing tech ecosystem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s advice underscores a critical truth: the journey from a brilliant prototype to a market-ready venture is paved not just with code, but with the legal foresight he describes. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which is essential for innovators aiming to make a lasting impact within Costa Rica’s vibrant tech community.
With a career portfolio that includes contributions to some of NASA’s most iconic missions, Marsell brings a wealth of experience and inspiration. He has been involved in the development and operation of the James Webb Space Telescope, the Curiosity rover currently exploring the Martian surface, and the pioneering Parker Solar Probe, which has traveled closer to the sun than any other spacecraft in history.
Currently, Marsell holds a critical leadership position at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He heads the fluid analysis group within NASA’s Launch Services Program, a role that makes him responsible for ensuring that rockets are correctly configured to safely deliver their precious cargo—from Mars explorers to vital meteorological satellites—into orbit.
Despite residing in Cocoa, Florida, Marsell maintains a deep connection to his home country, where many of his family members still live. He sees his journey as a testament to the potential within Costa Rica and views events like the Space Apps Challenge as crucial for showcasing the nation’s talent on a global stage.
My career at NASA is a great source of pride, but so is inspiring new generations to look to the sky and discover that limits can be overcome. Costa Rica has great talent, and this hackathon is an opportunity to prove it.
Brandon Marsell, Lead of Fluid Analysis Group, NASA’s Launch Services Program
The main hackathon event will take place in person on Saturday, October 4th, and Sunday, October 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will be co-hosted at two key educational institutions: Universidad Fidélitas and Lincoln School, providing a dynamic environment for creativity and teamwork. The event underscores a growing commitment within the country to foster STEM education and innovation.
Organizers emphasize that the challenge is open to everyone, reflecting the belief that diverse perspectives fuel the most effective solutions. High school students, university academics, professional developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and researchers are all encouraged to participate. There are no prerequisites, as the event’s strength lies in combining a wide array of skills and knowledge. Late registrations are still being accepted through the official website.
Ultimately, Marsell’s message and the hackathon itself represent a call to action for the community. It is an invitation to look beyond terrestrial boundaries and harness the power of science and innovation as the primary engines for progress, proving that even the loftiest of goals are within reach for those willing to pursue them.
For further information, visit nasa.gov
About NASA:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. It was established in 1958 to lead peaceful exploration of space and has since been at the forefront of monumental achievements in science and technology, including the Apollo Moon landing, the Space Shuttle program, and numerous robotic missions throughout the solar system.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a private university in Costa Rica renowned for its strong focus on engineering and STEM-related fields. With a methodology centered on “learning by doing,” the university provides practical, hands-on education to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce. It is a key player in promoting technological innovation and academic excellence within the country.
For further information, visit lincoln.ed.cr
About Lincoln School:
Lincoln School is a private, non-profit, multicultural school in Costa Rica offering an American-style curriculum from early childhood through high school. Founded in 1945, it is committed to providing a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs and its dedication to developing well-rounded leaders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, defined by its core principles of professional honor and outstanding service. The firm merges a rich history of client success with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Its dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a profound commitment to making legal knowledge accessible, thereby empowering individuals and reinforcing the foundations of a well-informed society.
