congratulations to our 2024 HuLC Competition Winners
First Place Overall:
University of Michigan
Paper: “ARC-LIGHT: Algorithm for Robust Characterization of Lunar surface Imaging for Ground Hazards and Trajectory”
Advisors: Mirko Gamba, Chris Ruf
Forum Presentation | Presentation Chart Deck
Poster
Second Place Overall: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Paper: “HINDER: Holistic Integration of Navigational Dynamics for Erosion Reduction”
Advisors: Nicolas Rasmont, Laura Villafañe Roca
Forum Presentation | Presentation Chart Deck
Poster
Third Place Overall:
University of Colorado, Boulder
Excellence in Systems Engineering Award:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Excellence in Systems Engineering Award:
Texas A&M University
Paper: “Synthetic Orbital Landing Area for Crater Elimination (SOLACE)”
Advisor: Helen Reed
Forum Presentation | Presentation Chart Deck
Poster
Colorado School of Mines
Project Title: Prudent Landers – FAST
Advisors: Mark Florida, Dr. Angel Abbud-Madrid, David Purcell
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Project Title: Plume Additive for Reducing Surface Ejecta and Cratering (PARSEC)
Advisor: Dr. Siwei Fan
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Project Title: Ceramic Research Advancement Technology at Embry-Riddle (C.R.A.T.E.R.)
Advisor: Seetha Raghavan
Ohio Northern University
Project Title: HuLC Smash
Advisor: Dr. Louis DiBerardino
Texas A&M University
Project Title: Maroon Moon: Preliminary Surface Stabilization to Mitigate Lunar Plume Surface Interaction
Advisors: John F. Connolly, Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud
Texas A&M University
Project Title: Synthetic Orbital Landing Area for Crater Elimination (SOLACE)
Advisor: Dr. Helen Reed
Texas State University
Project Title: Numerical Simulation and Physical Validation of Regolith Ejecta During Plume Surface Interaction
Advisor: Dr. Bin Xiao
The College of New Jersey
Project Title: TCNJ Adaptable Regolith Retention Program (TARRP)
Advisor: Mohammed Alabsi
University of California, San Diego
Project Title: MOON Pads: Microwave-Sintering Operations Of Nanophase-Iron Pads
Advisors: Dr. Amy Eguchi, Dr. Zahra Sadeghizadeh, Dr. Ross Turner
University of Colorado, Boulder
Project Title: Lunar Surface Assessment Tool (LSAT): A Simulation of Lunar Dust Dynamics for Risk Analysis
Advisor: James Nabity
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Project Title: HINDER: Holistic Integration of Navigational Dynamics for Erosion Reduction
Advisor: Laura Villafane Roca
University of Michigan
Project Title: ARC-LIGHT: Algorithm for Robust Characterization of Lunar surface Imaging for Ground Hazards and Trajectory
Advisor: Mirko Gamba, Chris Ruf
Challenge Overview
The 2024 HuLC competition asks teams of students and their faculty advisors to design innovative solutions addressing the mitigation of lunar Plume-Surface Interaction (PSI).
Offering team stipends and cash prizes!
Offering team stipends and cash prizes!
Each finalist team will receive a $7,000 stipend to facilitate participation in the Forum, which includes the submission of a final technical paper and poster, and presenting their concepts to a panel of NASA and industry subject matter experts during the Forum. Inclusion of a design model or prototype is encouraged when appropriate.
The top three placing teams will share a total prize purse of $18,000.
Challenge Updates & News
Challenge Announcement
Read NASA’s Feature Story announcing the inaugural Human Lander Challenge (HuLC).
Interested in Competing?
Review the Challenge Guidelines for more details and find out how to apply.
Join the Q&A Session
A Question & Answer Session for interested teams is scheduled for November 8, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST. Submit a question by Noon on October 31.