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.

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.

2026-2027 Lunabotics Timeline

All dates are subject to change. All deliverables are due by 12pm ET on the appointed date.

• Sept. 3, 2026: Guidebook Released
• Sept. 30, 2026: Project Management Plan Due
• Nov. 20, 2026: Lunabot Design Review Report Due
• Dec. 14, 2026: Announce Selected Teams
• Mar. 30, 2027: Systems Engineering Paper Due
• Apr. 29, 2027: Robot Data Report Due
• Apr. 29, 2027: Proof of Life Review Due
• May 20, 2027: Practice Day One at KSC
• May 21, 2027: Practice Day Two at KSC
• May 24, 2027: Lunabotics Challenge at KSC – Day 1
• May 25, 2027: Lunabotics Challenge at KSC – Day 2
• May 26, 2027: Lunabotics Challenge at KSC – Day 3
• May 27, 2027: Lunabotics Challenge at KSC – Day 4

Background

NASA Lunabotics received significant feedback from participating universities that the 2026 Qualification and Finals structure required approximately two weeks of travel, competition participation, and associated logistics. Teams indicated that the length of the competition created challenges related to academic schedules, faculty availability, travel costs, internships, research obligations, and institutional travel approvals.

Actions

Arena

WE HEARD YOU! For 2027 the competition will return to a one-week competition at the Astronauts Memorial Foundation’s (AMF) Center for Space Education (SCE) venue in the KSC Visitors Complex – there will be no Qualification activity at the University of Central Florida, all teams will compete at KSC. The current Artemis arena at AMF accommodates 20 teams. AMF has initiated a construction program to build a new arena that is large enough to allow two teams to run simultaneously. This will increase the number of arenas to 3 and the total teams to between 40 and 50. The intent and current plan is for this new arena to be constructed and ready for May of 2027. However, construction activities do not always occur on the planned schedule.  

2027 Process Plans

A Design Review down select process will be implemented for the 2027 competition. The purpose of the Design Review is to down select the total number of teams to between 40 and 50 that the competition can accommodate. If construction slips, an additional down select to 20 teams in the spring will be implemented. Construction progress will be updated to the teams on a regular basis for transparency on progress.

Contact Us

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

Phone: 321.867.5000

Email: KSC-Public-Inquiries@mail.nasa.gov