![NASA's Human Lander Challenge (HuLC)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hulc.nianet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HuLC-Banner-768x432.png)
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
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hulc.nianet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Human-Lander-Challenge-2024-Theme-Plume-Surface-Interaction-PSI-1024x576.png)
Challenge Announcement
Read NASA’s Feature Story announcing the inaugural Human Lander Challenge (HuLC).
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hulc.nianet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Students-Reading-new-1024x576.png)
Interested in Competing?
Review the Challenge Guidelines for more details and find out how to apply.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hulc.nianet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Raised-Hands-cropped-768x432.png)
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.