Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams
Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT) challenges undergraduate students to design, build, and test a tool or device that addresses an authentic, current space exploration challenge. The overall experience includes hands-on engineering design, test operations, and public outreach. Test operations are conducted in the simulated microgravity environment of the NASA Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Teams will propose a design and prototype a tool identified by NASA engineers as necessary in space exploration missions. Professional NBL divers will test the tools and students will direct the divers from the Test Conductor Room of the NBL facility. Micro-g NExT provides a unique opportunity to contribute to NASA’s missions.
APPLICATION WINDOW
Aug. 27 – Oct. 28, 2025
event location
Johnson Space Center
Eligibility
Open to U.S. Students
grade levels
Colleges and Universities
Micro-g NExT Overview
NOTE: This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs.
How to Apply
Click below to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to register for the 2026 Micro-g NExT Challenge.
Challenge Description
Check out the details of the 2025-2026 challenges. Each year a new list of challenges aligned to future space exploration missions are identified. These challenge descriptions are NASA unique opportunities to support future deep space exploration and Artemis missions. Teams are encouraged to participate in Micro-g NExT and contribute to the history of Artemis Generation efforts to return to the Moon and in preparation for human exploration to Mars and beyond. Last updated 8/27/2025.
Proposal Guidelines
These guidelines contain detailed information on creating a technical proposal, operations plan, and proof of concept video that meet our safety and technical requirements. Additional information on STEM engagement requirements and an administrative section will assist teams in submitting a proposal that meets all the requirements for the Micro-g NExT challenge. Last updated 08/27/2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help you answer some of the most common questions you may have. Detailed information on the challenge, technical guidance, challenge specific details and lessons learned from prior Micro-g NExT participants can be found here.
2025-2026 Micro-g NExT Timeline
All dates are subject to change.
- Aug. 27, 2025: 2026 Challenges Released
- Sept. 9, 2025 at 6pm CT: Information Session (Click here to join)
- Sept. 17, 2025 at 4pm CT: Information Session (Click here to join)
- Sept. 25, 2025 at 6pm CT: Information Session (Click here to join)
- Oct. 7, 2025: Letter of Intent Due
- Please send an email to jsc-reducedgravity@nasa.gov with the following information: Team lead contact information (name, email, academic year, academic major), academic institution, and 2026 Micro-g NExT challenge chosen.
- Oct. 14, 2025 at 6pm CT: Information Session (Click here to join)
- Oct. 28, 2025: Proposals Due
- Dec. 9, 2025: Selection Announcement
- Jan. 27-28, 2026: Preliminary Design Reviews
- April 1, 2026: Test Equipment Data Packages Due
- May 13-14, 2026: Virtual Test Readiness Reviews
Featured News
University Students to Evaluate Designs in NASA’s Astronaut Training Pool
NASA Invites Student Teams to Go Underwater for Micro-g NExT
NASA Invites Student Teams to Participate in Underwater Research
NASA Launches New Micro-g NExT for Undergraduates
Join Artemis!
Authentic, hands-on learning experiences give students in middle school all the way through graduate school a chance to flex their design and engineering skills as they build and launch high-powered rockets, design robots capable of mining the Moon’s surface or traversing difficult lunar terrain, create human-powered rovers, and test technologies and tools to assist future astronauts working on the Moon.
Learn More about Join Artemis!
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Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Micro-g NExT, please send us an email. We’d love to hear from you!
