NASA Invites University Teams to Develop Lunar Technology Concepts for 2027 RASC-AL Challenge

• NASA has launched the 2027 RASC-AL (Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic Linkage) competition for U.S.-based university teams.
• The challenge focuses on developing innovative technologies and operational paradigms to support long-term presence in the lunar South Pole region.
• Finalist teams will receive $7,500 each, with the top performers earning additional awards and presentation opportunities at an aerospace conference.

2027 Competition Themes

Student teams must submit proposals addressing one of four specific areas:

• Enabling extreme exploration
• Transit pathway construction
• Lunar resource exploration
• Smart and resilient lunar habitat

Important Deadlines

• Oct. 13, 2026: Deadline for non-binding notice of intent.
• Oct. 27, 2026: Q&A session with NASA experts.
• Feb. 24, 2027: Deadline for proposal and video submissions.
• June 7–10, 2027: RASC-AL Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where finalists present concepts to a panel of experts.

Program Background

• The RASC-AL competition has been active since 2002, facilitating collaboration between NASA, industry, and universities.
• It is managed by the National Institute of Aerospace and NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation.
• The initiative aims to advance aerospace research while providing professional development opportunities for next-generation innovators.