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. Micro-g NExT is offered by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement to prepare tomorrow’s aerospace workforce through agency and industry skill development, hands-on engineering design protocol, test operations, industry and community outreach, and unique industry workforce development opportunities.
Micro-g NExT test operations are conducted in the simulated microgravity environment of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Teams will propose a design and prototype a tool identified by NASA engineers as necessary for 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.
Onsite Test Week
June 6-9, 2027
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NOTE: This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs.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
Review the eligibility requirements and learn how to submit an application.
Proposal submissions for the 2027 campaign are due Oct. 27, 2026.
Challenge Description
Check out the details of the Micro-g NExT challenge. Each year a new list of challenges aligned to future space exploration missions are identified. These challenges support NASA’s future deep space exploration and workforce development efforts. Teams are encouraged to participate in Micro-g NExT and contribute to the Artemis missions and development of Moon Base in preparation for human exploration to Mars and beyond.
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.
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.
2026-2027 Micro-g NExT Timeline
All dates are subject to change.
- Sept. 15 at 3:30pm CT: Student Challenges and Competitions Information Session Join Session
- Sept. 17 at 4:30pm CT: Information Session 1 Join Session
- Sept. 22 at 10am CT: Information Session 2 Join Session
- Sept. 23 at 5pm CT: Information Session 3 Join Session
- Sept. 29 at 4pm CT: Information Session 4 Join Session
- Oct. 6 at 5pm CT: Q&A/Proposal Help Session Join Session
- Oct.14 at 5pm CT: Proposal Help Session Join Session
- Oct. 22 at 5pm CT: Proposal Help Session Join Session
- Oct. 27, 2026: Proposals Due
- Dec. 8, 2026: Selection Announcement (tentative)
- June 6-9, 2027: Prototype Test Week
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!
Media
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!
