Submissions are invited for the NASA 2025 Human Lander Challenge. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2025.
About the 2025 Human Lander Challenge
NASA is once again leading the charge in space exploration, this time with a bold new initiative: the 2025 Human Lander Challenge. Announced as part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, this challenge is set to inspire innovators and engineers worldwide to push the boundaries of what is possible in human spaceflight. With the goal of developing technologies that will enable sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond, this challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a stepping stone toward the future of space exploration.
The Challenge
The 2025 Human Lander Challenge invites participants to design, build, and test technologies that will be critical for landing humans on the lunar surface. Unlike previous lander challenges, this one focuses on real-world applications, requiring solutions that can be directly integrated into NASA’s Artemis missions. This includes developing innovative systems for propulsion, navigation, landing accuracy, and crew safety—technologies that are crucial for ensuring successful lunar missions.
Why It Matter?
NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025, with the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. The Human Lander Challenge is a key component of this mission, as it seeks to foster the development of new technologies that will make lunar exploration safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. The challenge not only accelerates technological innovation but also engages the global community in NASA’s vision of human exploration beyond Earth.
Action Required
Student teams will submit a 5-7-page Proposal and 2-minute Video summarizing the team’s proposal concept.
Awards
Up to 12 finalist teams will be selected to receive a $9,250 Development Stipend to facilitate full participation in the HuLC Competition Forum, held in Huntsville, AL in June 2025. The Top 3 Placing Teams will share a prize purse of $18,000.
How to Participate?
Participation in the 2025 Human Lander Challenge is open to teams from around the world, including private companies, academic institutions, and government organizations. NASA encourages a collaborative approach, with teams bringing together experts from various fields, including aerospace engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The competition will involve multiple stages, including design reviews, technology demonstrations, and full-scale lander tests.
Interested teams can find more information on the official NASA website, including detailed guidelines, deadlines, and requirements. NASA is offering significant financial incentives for successful teams, along with the opportunity to have their technologies integrated into upcoming Artemis missions.
How to Register?
Interested participants can register through this link.
Deadline
Proposal and Video Submissions are due March 3, 2025.
Click here to view the official notification of the NASA 2025 Human Lander Challenge.
