NASA challenges innovators to create lunar building robots

On September 8, 2025, NASA unveiled the 2026 Lunabotics challenge aimed at encouraging innovation in lunar construction technologies. This initiative seeks participants who can design and build robots that are capable of navigating the moon's surface and utilizing lunar regolith for construction purposes. The challenge is part of NASA's broader Artemis program, which focuses on future lunar activities and the eventual human exploration of Mars. The competition has been held annually since 2010 and is considered one of several student challenges linked to the Artemis program. NASA's officials recognize the importance of such technological advancements as foundational for establishing infrastructure on the moon and Mars. Robert Mueller, a senior technologist at NASA and co-founder of the Lunabotics competition, emphasized that excavating and moving regolith will play a crucial role in building essential structures on the lunar surface. The created berms will serve multiple vital functions during lunar missions. They are critical for providing protection during landings and launches, shielding cryogenic propellant tank farms, and offering radiation protection around future nuclear power facilities located on the moon. The competition's goal is to create hands-on experiences for students while preparing them with 21st-century skills in areas such as engineering, computer coding, and manufacturing. Teams interested in participating will soon be able to apply through NASA's online portal. Selected teams will advance to a qualifying event scheduled for May 12-17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The top ten teams will gather at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the final competition, with the team earning the highest score awarded the prestigious Lunabotics Grand Prize, followed by an exhibition event at NASA Kennedy. This challenge builds upon NASA’s commitment to fostering a new generation of engineers and technologists capable of advancing space exploration endeavors.