The 2025 Human Lander Challenge (HuLC) is an initiative by NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) aimed at fostering innovative solutions for NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) technologies, specifically in cryogenic applications. This competition is designed for full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students from accredited U.S.-based community colleges, colleges, or universities. Minority Serving Institutions are particularly encouraged to apply. HuLC plays a key role in NASA’s goal to advance technology concepts that are essential for long-duration missions to the Moon, and eventually Mars. This challenge provides a platform for students to contribute to NASA’s space exploration missions by addressing technological barriers in cryogenic storage and propulsion systems.

The focus of the 2025 competition is on advanced cryogenics for Human Landing System (HLS) applications, particularly for improving the in-space storage and transfer of cryogenic liquids. These cryogenic fluids are essential as propellants in space propulsion systems, especially for NASA’s missions to the Moon and Mars. While cryogenic liquids can currently be stored in space for several hours, the mission requirements necessitate the ability to store these fluids for months, which poses significant technical challenges. The competition is therefore designed to solicit ideas from student teams to overcome these challenges, advancing the necessary cryogenic technologies.

Teams are tasked with developing innovative, systems-level solutions that could mitigate potential problems and advance the maturity of cryogenic fluid technologies for in-space applications. The competition specifically targets several areas for improvement, including on-orbit cryogenic propellant transfer, microgravity mass tracking of cryogenics, advanced structural supports for heat reduction, automated cryo-couplers for propellant transfer, and low leakage cryogenic components. Proposals can fall within any of these areas, with the goal being to mature technologies that could be implemented within the next 3-5 years.

The Human Lander Challenge offers a total prize pool of $129,000, providing cash awards to winning teams. The competition is open until March 3, 2025, with various important dates marking the process. A Q&A session with NASA sponsors will take place on November 7, 2024. Teams will be notified of their selection status by April 3, 2024, and the final proposal submission deadline is March 3, 2025. The competition is open to a wide range of student teams, and participants are encouraged to take part in this collaborative effort with NASA to further the exploration of space.