NASA Announces RASC-AL Finalists
NASA has selected 14 university teams as finalists for the 2026 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts - Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition.
This challenge tasks students to design innovative concepts for human life and work on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, supporting NASA's long-term exploration goals.
Daniel Mazanek, RASC-AL program sponsor from NASA's Langley Research Center, acknowledged the innovation and technical depth demonstrated by the next generation of aerospace leaders.
Mission Themes
The 2026 RASC-AL competition invited proposals addressing one of four mission themes:
- Communications, Position, Navigation, and Time (CPNT) Architectures for Mars Surface Operations
- Lunar Surface Power and Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) Architectures
- Lunar Sample Return Concepts
- Lunar Technology Demonstrations Leveraging Common Infrastructure
These topics align with NASA's Artemis program and long-term human missions to Mars.
Finalist Teams
CPNT Architectures for Mars Surface Operations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MELIORA
- University of Texas, Austin: Project Pharos
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: The Mars Pylon Network (MPN)
Lunar Surface Power and PMAD Architectures
- Dartmouth College: FLORA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach: Project AUREVO
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: ECLIPSE
- University of Hawaii, Manoa with University of Hawaii, Hilo: Project PETAL
Lunar Sample Return Concept
- South Dakota State University: SELENE
- Texas A&M University: TAMU NOVA Lunar Mission
- University of Michigan: LASSO
Lunar Technology Demonstrations Leveraging Common Infrastructure
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: CHEESEBURGER
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs Léonard de Vinci: MATRIX
- University of Maryland: Project LILI
- University of Texas, Austin: DUSTEE
Each team submitted an initial proposal and a video presentation, which were evaluated by a review panel of NASA and aerospace industry experts.
Next Steps
As finalists, each team will further develop their concept into a comprehensive technical paper and oral presentation.
This will culminate in an in-person showcase beginning June 2 at the 2026 RASC-AL Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Students will present their work to NASA leaders, industry professionals, and fellow finalist teams.
NASA's RASC-AL Competition is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace and sponsored by multiple NASA directorates.