The NASA Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition is inviting  U.S.-based undergraduate and graduate student teams to design innovative aerospace system concepts, analogs, and technology prototypes in response to one of four 2026 themes: Mars surface communications and navigation, lunar power architectures, lunar sample return, and lunar technology demonstrations.

Up to 14 finalist teams will be selected to compete at the RASC-AL Competition Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida, each receiving a $7,000 stipend for participation. The top 2 teams will receive additional stipends and an invitation to present at a major aerospace conference in 2026.

Teams must include at least one U.S.-based faculty advisor and two student members, with students completing the bulk of the work and presenting at the Forum. The proposal submission deadline is February 23, 2026. To learn more about this opportunity, visit the challenge webpage here.