NASA has opened a $1 million competition inviting student teams from U.S. high schools and post-secondary institutions to develop concepts for a future Moon Base. Registration for the multiphase Moon Base Student Challenge is open through Jan. 25, 2027, through NASA’s STEM Gateway. The challenge focuses on six areas: power generation and storage, construction, life-support systems, surface mobility, communications networks, and astronaut safety. Teams will address practical design and environmental requirements for sustained human activity near the lunar South Pole. NASA said the competition is intended to help develop technical and workforce skills while encouraging students from technical, vocational and academic backgrounds to contribute ideas. Participants will produce materials including trade studies, concept proposals and stakeholder briefings, and prior specialized engineering experience is not required. The challenge was created by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement in collaboration with the Moon Base Program. The Institute of Competition Sciences will administer it through NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation. Details on eligibility, rules and submissions are available at moonbasechallenge.org. Post navigation NASA Opens Astronaut Applications