Lunar Payload Design Challenge
The Lunar Payload Design Challenge funds a U.S.-UAE program for graduate students to collaboratively design and develop lunar mission payload concepts, strengthening bilateral space innovation and research partnerships.
Funder: U.S. Mission to United Arab Emirates
Due Dates: July 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (all applications must be received by July 15, 2026, 5:00 PM UAE Time)
Funding Amounts: One award anticipated; $200,000–$300,000 for a project period of up to 18 months.
Summary: Supports a collaborative, team-based initiative engaging U.S. and UAE graduate students in developing lunar payload technologies to advance bilateral space innovation.
Key Information: For-profit entities are not eligible; only one proposal per organization is allowed.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates, funds a Lunar Payload Design Challenge that brings together graduate students from U.S. and UAE universities to collaboratively design and develop technologies relevant to future lunar missions. The program focuses on hands-on, team-based learning and aims to strengthen U.S.-UAE cooperation in space innovation. It emphasizes real-world application, mentorship, industry exposure, and the advancement of payload concepts that may be integrated into future lunar missions. The initiative is intended to build technical and collaborative skills among participants and foster long-term partnerships between academic, research, and industry institutions in both countries.
