Science & Tech · Space · 57 mins ago
NASA launches $1 million student challenge for Moon base ideas
NASA has launched a $1 million student challenge for ideas to help build and run a Moon base.
It is open to high school and post-secondary students based in the United States.
Teams will work on one of six areas, including power, habitats, communications, mobility, life support and astronaut safety.
The competition will have several phases, starting with concepts and moving to refined proposals.
Finalists will be able to present their solutions to NASA leaders and other stakeholders.
The ideas address problems such as surviving the long lunar night and protecting people in the Moon’s harsh environment.
NASA says a lunar base could support science and technology testing and help prepare for future missions to Mars.
NASA launched the Moon Base Student Challenge, offering $1 million in prizes for student ideas to address problems involved in building and sustaining a lunar base.
The challenge is open to high school and post-secondary students based in the United States.
Teams will develop ideas across six technical topics, then submit concepts and refine them in a multi-phase competition.
Finalists will have the opportunity to present their solutions to NASA leaders and stakeholders.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the challenge at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center on Nov. 8, 2026.
- Who
- NASA is inviting U.S.-based high school and post-secondary students to take part.
- What
- The Moon Base Student Challenge offers $1 million in prizes for ideas to address problems involved in creating and running a lunar base.
- When
- NASA announced the challenge on Nov. 8, 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center in Florida. The challenge is open to students based in the United States.
- Why
- NASA wants help solving problems that stand in the way of a permanent human presence on the Moon.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the Moon Base Student Challenge at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center.
Teams will refine their ideas, and finalists will have the opportunity to present solutions to NASA leaders and stakeholders.
- Prize fund
- $1 million
- Eligible students
- U.S.-based high school and post-secondary students
- Technical topics
- Power systems, habitats, communications, mobility, life support and astronaut safety
- Announcement venue
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, Florida
- Announcement date
- Nov. 8, 2026
What people are saying
We are inviting students from across the country to help solve some of the problems that stand between humanity and a permanent presence on another world
We're putting 1 million in prizes together to support the best ideas and recognize the teams behind them
We need ways to generate power through the long lunar night.
We need to protect our astronauts from that incredibly harsh and dangerous and demanding environment on the surface.