NASA has opened the 2026 Human Lander Challenge (HuLC), inviting U.S. undergraduate and graduate teams to propose systems-level concepts to enhance Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) performance on Artemis lunar landers. The effort, led by the Human Landing System (HLS) Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, targets technologies essential for sustainable, long-duration human missions to the Moon and future expeditions to Mars.
What the challenge seeks
Teams are asked to focus on ECLSS functions that enable breathable air, potable water, safe cabin environments, and efficient resource handling on the lunar surface. Proposed solutions must address one of four long-duration ECLSS subtopics:
- Noise suppression and control
- Sensor reduction in hardware health monitoring systems
- Potable water dispenser
- Fluid transfer between surface assets on the Moon and Mars
These topics highlight needs in acoustic management, reliability and maintainability of monitoring systems, crew consumables handling, and cross-asset fluid logistics, all critical to safe and productive lunar surface operations.
How the competition works
- Teams submit a non-binding notice of intent by Oct. 20.
- Proposal packages are due by March 4, 2026.
- Based on Phase 1 evaluations, up to 12 finalist teams will receive a $9,000 stipend and advance to Phase 2.
- Phase 2 culminates with a final design review near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, June 23–25, 2026.
- The top three teams will share a total prize of $18,000.
Who can participate
The 2026 competition is open to U.S.-based undergraduate and graduate teams working with faculty advisors. NASA Marshall manages the HLS Program, and the challenge is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on the agency’s behalf.
Why it matters
Advanced ECLSS capabilities are key to turning a lunar lander into a habitable environment. Improvements in air revitalization, water delivery, noise control, and fluid handling will support crew health and mission efficiency, reduce mass and complexity, and inform future Mars-bound systems. As part of the Artemis campaign, landers under development by SpaceX and Blue Origin will ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface, underscoring the need for robust life support solutions aligned with real mission architectures.
Additional information
Details, eligibility, and participation guidance are available via NASA and the challenge website. For the official announcement, see the NASA news release. For participation resources and submission materials, visit the HuLC challenge website.
