NASA Launches 2027 Human Lander Challenge for Lunar Communications

• NASA is seeking innovative student solutions for reliable communications in lunar environments to support the Artemis and Moon Base programs.
• The 2027 Human Lander Challenge invites U.S.-based collegiate teams to develop systems-level solutions implementable within three to five years.

Key Focus Areas

• Hardware: Space-rated wireless networks, electronics, antenna signal propagation, and environmental mitigation.
• Software: Data efficiency, link optimization, and network management/scheduling.
• Architecture: Surface and orbital communications system architecture.

Competition Details

• Intent Notice Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2025.
• Proposal Package Deadline: March 4, 2027.
• Phase 1: Up to 12 finalist teams will be selected to receive $9,000 each.
• Phase 2: Final design reviews will take place June 21–24, 2027, at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
• Awards: The top three teams from the final phase will share a total prize pool of $18,000.