Lunabotics Challenge
The Lunabotics Challenge invites students from higher education institutions to apply NASA’s Systems Engineering principles to design and build a prototype off-world construction robot. Participants will develop a robot capable of performing construction operations that support future space exploration objectives.
Event Dates
May 19-21, 2026
Event Location
Kennedy Space Center
Eligibility
Open to U.S. Students
grade levels
Vocational/Technical, Colleges/Universities
About the Challenge
Participants will develop a robot capable of performing construction operations that support future space exploration objectives.
Some of the Challenge Deliverables include Project Management Plan, Career Engagement Report, Presentation and Demonstration, Systems Engineering Paper, Robot Data Report, Proof of Life Video, and a functional Prototype Robot.
The prototype robot should demonstrate capabilities outlined in the challenge guidebook and to provide construction data for future off-world operations. This initiative aligns with NASA’s progressive approach to space exploration – using experiences gained in low Earth orbit and lunar missions as stepping stones toward the ultimate goal of sending humans to Mars.
Note: For specific challenge guidelines, evaluation criteria, or NASA Systems Engineering Handbook requirements, please refer to the official challenge documentation.
Event Dates (Subject to Change)
- Sept. 8, 2025 – Registration Opens
- May 14 – 17, 2026 – The Qualifying Challenge at the University of Central Florida, Florida Space Institute’s Exolith® Lab.
- May 19 – 21, 2026 – The Challenge at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Eligibility
Open to all students attending institutions located in The United States, its Commonwealths, territories, or possessions.
Grade Level
Institutions of higher learning, career / technical education programs, trade schools, community colleges, two-year or four-year colleges and universities.
How to Apply
Registration Opens Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
STEM Gateway is the application portal for this challenge. Click on the link below to submit applications. Selected teams will receive an email notification regarding their application status to begin participation in the Event 1 of the Challenge.
Guidebook
The Lunabotics Challenge Guidebook [*DRAFT] contains information that teams will need to know to participate in the challenge. The final guidebook will be released upon availability.
*Subject to Change.
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John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Phone: 321.867.5000
Email: KSC-Public-Inquiries@mail.nasa.gov
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