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. The 2025 Micro-g NExT challenges focus on lunar extravehicular activity (EVA) operations, EVA operations for missions to the International Space Station, and Orion crew safety.
event dates
June 1-4, 2025
event location
Johnson Space Center
APPLICATION WINDOW
Closed
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NOTE: This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs.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
The application window for 2024-2025 is now closed. Check back in August 2025 for the 2026 eligibility guidelines.
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Challenge Description
Check out the details of the current 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.
View 2025 Challenge Description
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 08/27/2024.
View 2025 Guidelines
Timeline
Take a look at the timeline for Micro-g NExT key dates. All dates are subject to change.
View 2025 Timeline
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.
View 2025 FAQs
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!
