Jacksonville University said April 8 it is the only university in the country with two student teams selected as finalists in NASA’s 2025 Human Lander Challenge, a national competition driving the future of space exploration.
Focused on developing solutions for storing and transferring cryogenic fuel in space, the competition supports NASA’s Artemis program, which is preparing to send astronauts to the moon and eventually to Mars.
JU students and faculty are among 12 national finalists that include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Each JU team is receiving a $9,250 development stipend to refine their concepts ahead of the final competition.
“Being the only university selected with two finalist teams is an extraordinary accomplishment — a reflection of the talent, leadership and ambitious spirit of our students and faculty,” JU President Tim Cost said in a news release.
“This recognition underscores Jacksonville University’s growing impact in STEM innovation and continued commitment to excellence on the national stage. When the national contenders are Jacksonville University, MIT, Ohio State, Embry-Riddle and Cal Poly Pomona, among others, you know you’re thriving at the highest level.”
The two selected JU proposals are:
• “Cryogenic Complex: Cryogenic Tanks and Storage Systems – on the Moon and Cislunar Orbit”
• “Cryogenic Fuel Storage and Transfer: The Human Interface – Monitoring and Mitigating Risks”
Angela Masson, assistant professor of aeronautics at Jacksonville University, is leading the projects.
“The dedication of our faculty, the commitment to small class sizes and the leadership of President Tim Cost and Interim Provost Dr. Sherri Jackson empowers students to thrive at the highest academic levels — and NASA’s recognition of our teams is a direct result of that,” Masson said in the release.
The finalist teams are preparing technical papers and will present their solutions to NASA and industry leaders June 25-27 at the Human Lander Challenge Forum in Huntsville, Alabama. The top three placing teams will share an $18,000 prize purse.