NASA launches $1M moon base challenge for students

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — NASA is inviting student teams at U.S. high schools and postsecondary schools to develop ideas for a future lunar base as part of a $1 million competition.

The agency announced the Moon Base Student Challenge on Sunday during a MAX POWER event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Registration is open through Jan. 25, 2027, via the NASA STEM Gateway.

The multiphase competition asks teams to propose solutions in six areas: power generation and storage, construction, life-support systems, surface mobility, communications networks and astronaut safety.

"We're looking for students ready to think creatively, work as a team, and take on real problems connected to NASA's future on the Moon," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said. "You do not have to wait until graduation to contribute."

NASA envisions a base in the moon's south polar region where astronauts could live, work and explore. The agency says a sustained human presence on the moon would help prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.

Students will work with environmental and mission-design parameters relevant to lunar operations. Their assignments will include trade studies, concept proposals and stakeholder briefings, giving them experience with skills used in the space industry. NASA said prior specialized engineering or technical experience is not required.

"Students bring exactly the bold ideas that we're looking for, and I'm looking forward to their fresh perspective," said Carlos García-Galán, manager of NASA's Moon Base Program.

NASA's Office of STEM Engagement designed the challenge with the Moon Base Program. The Institute of Competition Sciences administers it under a NASA contract.

Competition details, eligibility requirements and official rules are available on the Moon Base Challenge website.

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