2025-2026 C3 Statements of Intent

Team Name	University	Track	Short Statement of Intent (click to expand)
Astronautics Union for Lunar and Near-space Advancement (AULUNA)	Auburn University	Lunar	Team AULUNA is designing a hexapod rover that will autonomously use a laser sintering device to create lunar landing pads. Plume surface interaction is a large risk when landing on the moon. To facilitate a sustainable path to large-scale utilization of the lunar surface, which includes habitation, this rover will autonomously create stable lunar landing pads with a laser sintering device. The hexapod configuration will provide a proof-of-concept for an unproven rover mobility system with a demonstration across rough terrain. Validating hexapod mobility and functionality will support future missions with more difficult mission circumstances (i.e., harsher terrain, Mars environment) as well as for swarm robotics operations.
War Eagle Lunar Team	Auburn University	Lunar	CLEAR will Grade Site Plans to ease future construction efforts. CLEAR, a simple dozer design, will manage Lunar Highland Terrain grades. It will operate autonomously over long periods through the use of solar power on provided Site Plans. Site preparation is critical for long-term sustained Lunar presence.
Bend the Limit	California State University Los Angeles	Manufacturing	Our project aims to design and prototype a compact, autonomous wire-bending system capable of operating in space to fabricate large structural frameworks. As part of the COSMIC Challenge, we are developing a tool that can bend and shape metal wire into lightweight structures assembled directly in orbit. This concept could enable the construction of trusses, antennas, and other components without Earth-based assembly, reducing launch mass and increasing mission flexibility. Our design emphasizes compactness, modularity, and reliability, using precise control systems to ensure accuracy in low-gravity environments. We will prototype and test the system under simulated microgravity to evaluate performance and demonstrate feasibility. Led by Randy Quintero, with teammates Jimmy, Brandon, and Garret, our team aims to advance automated in-space manufacturing and support future space explorations.
Flexion	California State University Los Angeles	Assembly	Charging Station will utilize power from several sources to supply energy to exploration rovers at ISRU sites. The design includes a solar concentrator, solar panel for partial power generation, power beaming to receive power from a tall lunar tower, battery for energy storage, and charging mechanism to deliver power. Structures are assembled using NASA’s ARMADAS voxel as a structural base.
The Dockers	California State University Los Angeles	Servicing	Our team is developing an autonomous docking system that enables a service spacecraft to safely and repeatedly mate with client vehicles in orbit. Our project proposes a scalable, two-part docking mechanism capable of autonomous capture, alignment, and hard-mate engagement between spacecraft ranging from 500 lbm to 15,000 lbm. The system concept incorporates a soft-capture phase to manage misalignment and initial contact, followed by a hard-mate phase that provides a rigid structural connection for servicing operations. It is designed to accommodate up to 5° of misalignment, achieve a commanded separation velocity of 1 ft/s, and withstand launch and orbital environments. The overall objective is to advance on-orbit servicing, assembly, and debris-mitigation capabilities through a reliable, repeatable, and scalable docking architecture.
CSUN ISAM R&D	California State University Northridge	Lunar	Our mission will demonstrate the capability to autonomously create fundamental building blocks from lunar regolith using advanced additive manufacturing technologies. Landed by the Griffin lunar lander, the mission will efficiently create infrastructure essential for establishing a permanent lunar outpost. The CSUN ISAM R&D team believe while methods of additive manufacturing used on earth may not be suitable for moon operation due to environmental hazards and challenges, modifications to those same operations can prove useful to establish a permanent lunar outpost. Such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) can be used to create building blocks for needed infrastructure along with creative solutions to place said buildings blocks with the aid of machine learning AI.
InStellis	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida	Manufacturing	Team InStellis is developing an autonomous Direct Ink Writing (DIW) system for processing and monitoring UV-curable photopolymer composites containing lunar regolith. The system will incorporate fully automated material handling, slurry dispensing, UV curing, and in-situ monitoring via optical spectroscopy techniques, eliminating the need for astronaut involvement during processing. DIW offers a low-energy, low-temperature manufacturing process, making it ideal for processing structures during space missions where resource and energy efficiency is critical. Utilizing in-situ materials such as lunar regolith will reduce reliance on Earth-supplied materials and enable sustainable, autonomous production of functional products on the Moon and in space.
FORGE	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott	Lunar	FORGE will melt lunar regolith to allow ease of access to raw materials on the lunar surface. With the cost of launches the feasibility of infrastructure on the moon has been a distant prospect, by establishing an induction furnace on the moon this cost would be drastically lowered. Additionally during the melting process oxygen trapped within the regolith is extracted to be used to support future manned missions.
Mission for Orbital Service and Support (MOSS)	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott	Servicing	MOSS is developing a servicing satellite to extend the life of spacecraft by replacing solar panels and refueling the client spacecraft. Two of the most prevalent causes for satellites to be decommissioned are solar panel degradation and a lack of propellant for station keeping maneuvers. To remedy the lack of propellant, MOSS is designing a unique system to backflow monopropellant through a hydrazine thruster. The satellite will minimize the functionality of the catalyst to maximize the amount of usable propellant transferred. To replace the solar panels, MOSS is developing a mechanism to deploy rollable solar panels over the failing solar panel array.
MOCA	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott	Manufacturing	Manufacturing Of Cold-Welded Assemblies (MOCA) is an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University capstone aiming to develop a system that can carry out the full cold-welding process. This includes manipulation and alignment of the metal pieces, cleaning the oxide layer from the metal, and pressing the two pieces together until they bond at the molecular level. MOCA will be designed for full integration with Arkisys’ Bosuns Locker as part of the COSMIC Capstone Challenge (C3). MOCA will be performing this operation on Al 3003 alloy, a common aerospace material, and will be cold-welding multiple spots on the members.
Moonwalkers	Georgia State University	Lunar	A mobile hotspot rover to enhance communication reliability and coordination between cooperative robots operating in lunar environments. The project aims to design and simulate a lightweight, energy-efficient communication relay capable of maintaining network stability across extended distances and obstructed terrain. Having a dedicated communication rover will enable robots to share data and commands more effectively while operating in conditions that obstruct communication with. This work supports the broader goal of building robust communication infrastructure for future lunar missions, improving autonomy, coordination, and safety for robotic exploration teams.
The Droids	Georgia State University	Manufacturing	The Droids will design a payload that manufactures microchips in space. Creating microchips on Earth can cause deformations in the microchip structure and can use thousands of gallons of water, creating unnecessary waste that pollutes the environment. We plan on making a payload for the Arkisys Locker that will make the process easier so that high-quality microchips will be accessible to consumers. The microgravity and the vacuum environment in space will produce high quality microchips used in products like Quantum Computers and extremely reliable NPUs and FPGAs.
Deep Interstellar Solutions	Kennesaw State University	Manufacturing	The Deep Interstellar Solutions team has developed a project called Orbital Reliable Circuit Assembly (ORCA) to manufacture custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) using laser etching technology. Traditional PCB manufacturing consists of several stages involving liquid application and submersion, which can pose challenges in microgravity environments. To tackle this issue, ORCA will use a laser etching process to produce serviceable PCBs. This approach enhances autonomy and enables maintenance and equipment manufacturing without the need for separate resupply missions. Ultimately, this innovative approach will revolutionize the speed, efficiency, and capabilities of in-flight manufacturing for the next generation of space exploration.
Metal Maniacs	Missouri University of Science & Technology	Lunar	The Lunar Iron Reduction System (LIRS) will process regolith into iron agglomerates for future use by astronauts for in situ manufacturing purposes. The system shall have a mechanism for extracting iron oxide from lunar regolith and a mechanism for thermally reducing iron oxides into sintered iron agglomerates. The collection system shall be mobile and able to operate under its own power throughout the mission duration.
PackNanoSat	North Carolina State University	Servicing	Team PackNanoSat will develop a modular, replaceable propellant tank and transfer system to enable in-orbit refueling and tank exchange for satellites. The design will utilize a modular, low-complexity approach for refueling that removes depleted propellant tanks and replaces them with a pre-filled, standardized tank module. There is a growing issue of in-orbit waste and the short operational life of spacecraft. By allowing for refueling and reuse, our system aims to extend mission lifetimes and reduce the amount of orbital debris, contributing to a more sustainable and serviceable space environment.
Team Buckeyes	Ohio State University	Manufacturing	Team Buckeyes is developing a microgravity-compatible textile manufacturing system that can weave textiles for use in space applications. Using a double rapier weft insertion system, the device can insert and secure threads without relying on gravity, allowing small-scale textile production in orbit. This system will serve as a scalable foundation for future in-situ manufacturing of materials in microgravity environments
Purdue Astrobotics	Purdue University	Manufacturing	Purdue Astrobotics is developing a fully autonomous software platform that enables robotic systems to identify, align, join and verify structural components at orbital worksites, using low-power self-piercing riveting. The system’s AI based vision and control intelligence make it adaptable to different robotic platforms and future in-space assembly missions and maintenance operations.
Rats in Space	Texas A&M University	Manufacturing	Rats in Space will manufacture carbon fiber tubes on-orbit to be used in structural assemblies. Carbon fiber is an ideal material for space-based structures, with a high strength-to-weight ratio and many other desirable properties. Current and future space systems are integrating carbon fiber parts, with notable examples including the James Webb Space Telescope and the ISS Canadarm. By providing a system capable of autonomously producing carbon fiber tubes, further advances towards in-space assembly can be expedited.
REV-LE	Texas A&M University	Lunar	The Regolith Excavation Vehicle for Lunar Exploration (REV-LE) is a lunar rover designed to identify, level, and compact regolith to create stable surfaces for future lunar landings and construction. REV-LE will autonomously perform site preparation operations by scanning the lunar surface to locate viable compaction areas. The system will integrate a compaction mechanism, obstacle-clearing blade, and onboard sensors to verify post-compaction surface density and ensure structural integrity. Throughout the project, the team will conduct subsystem trade studies, define system-level requirements, and develop C3 preliminary and critical design deliverables. Ultimately, REV-LE aims to demonstrate practical and scalable site preparation methods that support the establishment of long-term lunar infrastructure and exploration.
Space Pirates	Texas A&M University	Servicing	SPARROW will autonomously service client satellites while in orbit. The amount of space debris and satellites already in orbit around Earth is becoming a growing concern. In order to combat this problem, we plan to extend the lifetimes of satellites already in orbit by providing autonomous service with our spacecraft. This will reduce the need for replacement satellites to be launched into orbit, thus reducing costs. With its modular design, the SPARROW would be able to change its payloads in order to provide the proper servicing for our clients.
USAFA Astro	United States Air Force Academy	Manufacturing	We intend to improve our design of SPAAM (Space Printer for Autonomous Manufacturing of Megastructures), a 3D printer capable of fabricating objects larger than its host satellite, and adapt it to the constraints of the C3 Manufacturing track with a focus on specific mission applications. This design utilized a robotic arm extruder and maneuverable joints to 3d print objects larger than itself. It demonstrated potential for unlimited movement in the X, Y, and Z dimensions as well as track-switching to maneuver across the printed object. Given the increased power and mass capability from last year’s bus, we will adjust the design operations accordingly, such as considering alternative filaments and generating greater joint mobility. We also intend to research specific missions that our design could directly support.
Bearcat Assembly	University of Cincinnati	Assembly	Bearcat Assembly’s concept is the unmanned assembly of a modular, autonomous, and reconfigurable research station for experiments beyond LEO. These experiments could be commercial in nature and will include biological, technological, or other deep space focused research payloads. The station concept takes advantage of existing technologies and concepts such as CubeSat scale factors. The structure of the station will be constructed from the ARMADAS system, including power transfer, solar panel, and rail system voxels, which will allow the station to be self-maintained by a crew of autonomous robots. The station will automatically handle experiments throughout their lifecycles, from docking to end-of-experiment (EOE) processing or disposal. Experiments will benefit from the shared resources offered by the station, including but not limited to power, communication bandwidth, thermal management, and station keeping.
Orbital Gators	University of Florida	Lunar	The Lunatics will predict He-3 reserve over a 50 km^2 region on the lunar surface. This will be done using various surface analysis methods such as spectrometry, radar (Ground Penetrating Radar), and seismic survey, to characterize lunar surface regions, and predict presence of He3. Using these methods, existing correlations for surface properties, and He3 concentrations, previous models can be compared to actual He3 concentrations observed.
University of Hawaii at Manoa – EPET 201 Class	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Manufacturing	Project Starch-Shield will produce cutting edge Lunar Regolith Simulant Starch (LRSS) Aerogel bricks for use as lightweight effective passive heat and radiation shielding. Lunar Regolith Simulant will be mixed with a starch solution, formed into a gel, injected into molds, and freeze dried to form Aerogel bricks – a groundbreaking thermal insulator and high energy radiation shield. After construction, product verification and material properties quality evaluation will be conducted. This construction method will leverage In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), for a sustainable solution to combat extreme extraterrestrial temperature oscillations; while at the same time providing a design foundation for the construction of a valuable potential export for future space settlements.
MISO (Michigan In-Space Servicing Orbiter)	University of Michigan	Servicing	The MISO (Michigan In-Space Servicing Orbiter) team aims to design a versatile satellite servicing vehicle capable of refueling, diagnosing, and upgrading client satellites through a modular and adjustable architecture. Our system addresses key challenges in modern satellite operations—such as limited refueling options, the inability to assemble or upgrade modules on orbit, and difficulties in diagnosing client issues—by incorporating an adjustable docking system, swappable toolsets, and compatibility with multiple standard interfaces. Designed to operate in tandem with a mothership depot, the MISO servicer will support sustainable, long-term satellite operations through autonomous inspection, modular attachment and replacement of subsystems, and adaptable servicing capabilities. This multifunctional, future-proof design not only enhances mission flexibility and satellite longevity but also establishes a profitable and scalable business model for the in-space servicing industry.
H2Probe	University of Pittsburgh	Servicing	H2Probe aims to improve refueling capabilities for contemporary and future generations of satellites looking for life extension through propellant refueling in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). This is pursuant to an area of active investigation in ISAM: the fuel transfer in microgravity, ensuring proper proximity operations, docking, and port interfacing. Specifically, we will refuel satellites harnessing electric propulsion systems such as gridded ion and hall-effect thrusters utilizing Xenon as fuel. We will address the challenges of storing Xenon in a supercritical state, docking properly with client satellites, and optimizing our satellite solution lifetime for longevity, in order to improve the financial incentives for the use of H2Probe’s solution.
H2Space	University of Pittsburgh	Lunar	H2Space will design various machines and processes to create basic infrastructure using available resources such as lunar regolith and sunlight. These operations will be efficient with payload restrictions. Creating infrastructure on the lunar surface requires large amounts of material and energy. Luckily, the resources to lay the groundwork can all be found on the surface. We will create a semi-autonomous rover to prep an area, and gather lunar regolith. The most feasible way to create solid materials seems to be regolith casting. We will also attempt to design a system to cast the regolith into usable material for structures such as landing pads and shelter from the environment of space. This operation will build off of readily available technology to bring to infrastructure on the lunar surface.
USF AIAA	University of South Florida	Manufacturing	Our team will develop a three degree of freedom robotic arm for the Arkisys Bosun’s Locker that demonstrates autonomous in-orbit soldering as a proof of concept for future orbital manufacturing and repair. Locker that demonstrates autonomous in-orbit soldering as a proof of concept for future orbital manufacturing and repair. The system will execute a series of precision operations to position, heat, and apply solder material to electrical joints, validating a repeatable manufacturing process in microgravity. The objective is to explore how small robotic manipulators can perform fine assembly and maintenance tasks without human intervention. Expected outcomes include characterizing solder joint quality, evaluating thermal management in a vacuum environment, and informing control strategies for future In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) applications. The payload will utilize the Arkisys Port for power, communication, and orbital support.
The Miners	University of Texas at El Paso	Manufacturing	The intent of this project is to design and develop an autonomous, multifunctional Bosun’s Locker payload system for Arkisys Port Module. The system will integrate a machine capable of toolhead swapping to perform 3D printing, soldering, and wire embedding, enabling assembly and fabrication tasks directly within the locker. The design will adhere to defined constraints of volume, mass, and power. Ultimately, the project aims to create a versatile platform that makes space manufacturing easy and accessible.
Husky Satellite Lab	University of Washington	Lunar	Develop a Cube-Satellite for obtaining the span, ceiling depth, and floor depth of subsurface lunar lava tubes within the basaltic maria regions. Subsurface lunar lava tubes are extremely promising candidates for long term human habitation. These lava tubes provide an inherent solution to three of the greatest challenges in long term lunar habitation, namely, extreme thermal environments and fluctuations, solar radiation, and natural phenomena such as meteorites. The goal of this mission is to identify and map highly promising lava tubes for human habitation. The extent to which a lava tube is considered promising is driven by the boundaries of its thermal environment, radiation levels, and the possibility of it collapsing.
C3PO	Virginia Tech	Lunar	C3PO will develop an autonomous lunar system to produce, integrate, and inspect sintered lunar regolith for foundational construction. Two approaches are being considered: collecting, sintering, and placing regolith tiles or sintering the lunar ground directly. The end product will withstand potential loads typical for lunar operations such as transportation and surface structures. Loose regolith causes accelerated wear on systems during lunar travel, which would be mitigated by using sintered surfaces.
OSCAR@VT	Virginia Tech	Servicing	OSCAR@VT intends to provide geostationary satellites with a reusable life extension service by providing additional delta-V for station keeping and orbital maneuvers. We will accomplish this by using a two-satellite modular system comprised of a primary thruster satellite and a fuel tank satellite. A thruster satellite will dock with a fuel tank satellite before interfacing with the client. The satellite system can attach to a client, then provide orbital corrections and station-keeping services. After the life extension of the client has been exhausted, the satellite system can retire the client satellite into a graveyard orbit. The thruster satellite can detach and be refueled by another fuel tank satellite and transferred to other clients to extend mission length and the number of clients reached.
VT LUNA	Virginia Tech	Lunar	VT Luna will design a payload that can use lunar regolith to construct lunar landing pads. Using technologies of additive manufacturing and ISRU, this device will create a safe and secure landing pad for future Artemis missions. These pads will be vital for repeated landings and takeoffs to support the sustainability of the lunar base for future explorations. Landing/launch pads increase the safety of launch and landing operations by minimizing ejecta and providing a stable and strong surface for landing on. Lunar exploration and colonization has been delayed in part due to the complexity and inherent risk of landing on the moon and by minimizing this risk our team hopes to pave the way for future colonization efforts.