Student teams may be comprised of 3-6 members having different majors and levels, and may include members who are enrolled in related programs or have significant experience or interest in the chosen topic. Members not meeting the topics guidelines are forewarned that extra work may be needed to understand the research material. Team selection is subject to TSGC and NASA mentor approval. Contact TSGC and the project mentor with specific questions.
Please be advised that occasionally topics are restricted by NASA to U.S. Citizen participation only and will be noted as such. At this time, no restrictions are in place for the current list of topics below.
Each applying team should choose three potential topics, a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice from the OPEN topics list.
All team members must be from a TSGC affiliate member institution. Teams may be comprised of students from different institutions. Team requirements, deadlines, and program details: Team Notebook.
Applications for Spring 2025 will be received through Monday, Jan 27, 2025. Apply here: Application Form
The following topics are available for Spring 2025:
| Topic # | Primary Topics from NASA JSC Mentors |
|---|---|
| TDC-86 | Integrated Camera & Lighting System Optical Optimization Project |
| TDC-102 | Lunar Washer/Dryer |
| TDC-103 | Radiation-Tolerant Crew Laptop |
| TDC-104 | Lunar Surface Nuclear Reactor Conceptual Designs & CONOPS |
| Topic # | NASA Artemis Challenges |
|---|---|
| TDC-40 | NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge |
| TDC-90 | NASA Big Idea |
| TDC-80 | NASA SUITS Challenge |
| TDC-100 | NASA MITTIC |
| TDC-110 | NASA Lunabotics Challenge |
| TDC-120 | NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) |
| TDC-130 | NASA Human Lander Challenge (HULC) |
The Choose Your Own Adventure topic choice requires review from Johnson Space Center. Topics strongly suggested may be found at the following resource pages. These are key areas NASA stakeholders have identified as requiring further development to meet NASA’s future exploration, science, and mission needs.
- Civil Space Shortfall Descriptions
- Civil Space Shortfall Ranking
- STMD Strategic Framework and Envision Future Priorities
| Topic # | Choose Your Own |
|---|---|
| TDC-00 | Choose Your Own Adventure* |
Team requirements, deadlines, and program details: Spring 2025 Team Notebook.
Apply here: Application Form
Applications for Spring 2025 will be received through Monday, January 27, 2025.
Questions? designchallenge@tsgc.utexas.edu