NASA's Human Lander Challenge (HuLC)
Develop a system to enable communications for lunar landers
NASA's Human Lander Challenge (HuLC) invites collegiate teams to develop innovative systems-level solutions to understand, establish, and optimize lunar communications systems. The systems will be for landers and surface level operations and will be implemented in 3 to 5 years.
Each team will submit a proposal and a two minute video. Twelve finalist teams will receive $9,000 and advance to Phase 2. In Phase 2, finalists will present at a forum in Huntsville, AL in June 2027.
The top three teams will share an $18,000 prize.
| Key information | |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring agency | National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| Start date | 9/18/2026 4:00 PM ET |
| End date | 3/04/2027 11:59 PM ET |
| Challenge type |
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| Prizes |
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| Contact | hulc@nianet.org |
Apply for the Human Lander Challenge
These federal prize competitions are conducted pursuant to the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended by the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017. For complete rules, eligibility requirements, and terms and conditions, please visit the hosting agency's competition page.
LAST UPDATED: September 21, 2026
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