JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University is the only school in the nation with two student teams selected as finalists in NASA’s 2025 Human Lander Challenge — a prestigious national competition shaping the future of space exploration.
JU joins the ranks of elite institutions like MIT, Ohio State, Embry-Riddle, and Cal Poly Pomona as one of just 12 teams selected nationwide. The challenge tasks college students with developing new ways to store and transfer cryogenic fuel in space, supporting NASA’s Artemis program and its long-term goals of returning astronauts to the Moon and reaching Mars.
“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,” Jacksonville University President Tim Cost said. “This recognition underscores Jacksonville University’s growing impact in STEM innovation and continued commitment to excellence on the national stage.”
Each JU team received a $9,250 development stipend to refine their concepts ahead of the final competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this June.
There, teams will present their ideas to NASA and industry leaders, competing for a share of the $18,000 prize purse awarded to the top three projects.
The two JU proposals are:
Cryogenic Fuel Storage and Transfer: The Human Interface – Monitoring and Mitigating Risks
Cryogenic Complex: Cryogenic Tanks and Storage Systems – On the Moon and Cislunar Orbit
Dr. Angela Masson, assistant professor of aeronautics, is leading the charge.
“It really sounded a little bit out of our league,” Masson said. “The classes I teach are mostly training courses — how to be an airline pilot. But our students embraced the challenge, and now we’re competing alongside the best in the nation.”
Masson credited JU’s supportive, interdisciplinary environment as a catalyst for the teams’ success. The student groups are a collaboration between the School of Aviation and the Davis College of Business and Technology, combining engineering, computing, and management expertise.
Faculty advisors include Dr. Brian Kopp (engineering), Dr. James Simak (management and entrepreneurship), and Dr. Reza Sarraf (computing science), who helped shape both the technical and human-centered aspects of the proposals.
“Our students embody the spirit of John F. Kennedy’s famous words: ‘We choose to go to the Moon… not because they are easy, but because they are hard,‘” Masson said. “They knew this would push them — and they accepted that challenge with purpose and passion.”
Cost added that the achievement further solidifies Jacksonville University’s standing as a growing leader in STEM disciplines.
“When the national contenders are Jacksonville University, MIT, Ohio State, Embry-Riddle, and Cal Poly Pomona, you know you’re thriving at the highest level,” Cost said.
Taking hard work and teamwork to new heights.
The 2025 HuLC Competition Forum will be held June 24-26 in Huntsville, Alabama.
