NASA launches 2027 RASC-AL contest for college teams to design lunar technology concepts

NASA’s Langley Research Center announced the 2027 edition of the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts - Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition, inviting U.S. collegiate teams to develop bold concepts for sustained lunar South Pole activities. Since its inception in 2002, the annual contest has linked universities, industry and the agency to foster aerospace innovation. Participants can choose from four focus areas: enabling extreme exploration, transit pathway construction, lunar resource exploration, and smart and resilient lunar habitat.

Interested groups must submit a non-binding notice of intent by Oct. 13 and a full proposal with video by Feb. 24, 2027. Up to 14 teams will advance to a final phase, each receiving a $7,500 award and the chance to showcase their work at the 2027 RASC-AL Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida, from June 7-10, with the top two receiving additional prizes and a conference invitation. The competition is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on behalf of NASA’s Advanced Research and Technology Division and managed by the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation.