2026 NASA Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition
Develop new ideas that could help people explore and work on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. U.S.-based college students: learn more and apply.
Apply if you’re a student at an accredited, U.S.-based community college, college, or university interested in space exploration. The challenge asks you and your team to develop new ideas that could help people explore and work on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This year’s topics include technologies for lunar surface missions, and enhancing the ability to operate and return data from Mars.
| Key information | |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring agency | NASA |
| Start date | 2/23/2025 11:59 ET |
| End date | 2/23/2026 11:59 ET |
| Challenge type | Ideas |
| Prizes | Non-monetary prizes. Finalists will receive stipends to showcase their winning concepts. |
| Contact | rascal@nianet.org |
For detailed information, including eligibility requirements, rules, and judging criteria, see RASC-AL.
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
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