NASA is inviting student teams from U.S. high schools and post‑secondary institutions to submit concepts for a future lunar base in a new $1 million competition. The Moon Base Student Challenge was unveiled on Sunday at a MAX POWER event held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
How the competition works
The multi‑phase contest asks each team to develop solutions in six critical areas: power generation and storage, construction methods, life‑support systems, surface mobility, communications networks, and astronaut safety. Teams will conduct trade studies, draft concept proposals, and present briefings to simulated stakeholders, mirroring the real‑world processes used by the space industry.
Eligibility and timeline
Registration is open now and will close on Jan. 25, 2027, via the NASA STEM Gateway. The challenge is open to any U.S. high‑school or post‑secondary team; prior specialized engineering or technical experience is not required. NASA emphasizes that students do not need to wait until graduation to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s space program.
Leadership comments
“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,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “You do not have to wait until graduation to contribute.”
Carlos García‑Galán, manager of NASA’s Moon Base Program, added, “Students bring exactly the bold ideas that we’re looking for, and I’m looking forward to their fresh perspective.”
Why a lunar base matters
NASA envisions a permanent outpost in the Moon’s south‑polar region where astronauts could live, work, and explore. A sustained human presence would serve as a proving ground for technologies and operations needed for future crewed missions to Mars, reinforcing America’s leadership in space exploration.
Support for families and faith‑based values
The challenge aligns with the nation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, offering families a constructive, STEM‑focused activity that encourages teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance—values that echo the country’s Christian heritage of stewardship and curiosity.
Where to learn more
Details on competition rules, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines are available on the official Moon Base Challenge website, hosted through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. The Institute of Competition Sciences will administer the contest under a NASA contract.
Students across the country now have a unique opportunity to help shape America’s next great adventure beyond Earth, contributing ideas that could one day support a thriving lunar community and pave the way for humanity’s journey to Mars.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
