A university-level robotics competition in which student teams apply the NASA systems engineering process to design, build and operate a prototype off-world construction robot capable of excavating and transporting lunar regolith. Open to students at US higher education institutions including colleges, universities, community colleges, and vocational, technical and trade schools. The 2026 challenge drew more than 80 university teams. For 2027 the competition consolidates into a single week at Kennedy Space Center, with the guidebook released in September 2026, selected teams announced in December 2026, and the main competition held in late May 2027.