NASA has opened the 2026 Human Lander Challenge (HuLC), inviting U.S. college and university teams to propose innovative concepts that advance human landing system technologies for the Artemis campaign. The competition carries a $126,000 total prize pool and is designed to feed new ideas into the agency’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) portfolio.
What the challenge targets
HuLC focuses on technology development areas that enable safer, more reliable crewed landings and departures on the Moon. Student teams contribute concepts, analyses, and approaches relevant to human landing systems (HLS) that could reduce risk and improve performance in future lunar missions.
Key details
- Prize pool: $126,000 in total awards
- Open date: August 29, 2025
- Close date: March 4, 2026
- Eligibility: Teams of full- or part-time undergraduate and/or graduate students at accredited U.S.-based community colleges, colleges, or universities
- Interdisciplinary team compositions are encouraged
Why it matters for Artemis
Human landing systems are central to NASA’s Artemis architecture, providing the capability to transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface. Advancements in HLS concepts from academic teams can inform designs, improve safety margins, and enhance mission flexibility, supporting sustained lunar operations and future exploration objectives.
How teams can prepare
- Confirm institutional eligibility and assemble an interdisciplinary team with defined roles.
- Review official rules, scope, and submission requirements on the competition website.
- Develop and document a concept addressing a defined HLS technology need.
- Ensure materials meet format and deadline requirements ahead of March 4, 2026.
Projects typically integrate classroom learning with real aerospace design practices, giving students exposure to systems engineering, risk analysis, and mission operations considerations that mirror industry and agency workflows.
Participation and timeline
The 2026 HuLC cycle spans late 2025 into early 2026, aligning with NASA’s ongoing Artemis planning and technology maturation efforts. Teams should plan internal milestones for concept development, documentation, and reviews to maintain schedule fidelity through submission.
Where to learn more
NASA’s announcement and program details are available on the agency’s website. The page was last updated on Sept. 2, 2025. For official requirements and updates, refer to the competition site.
Source: NASA: 2026 Human Lander Challenge | Competition site: hulc.nianet.org
