Apply, onboard,
attempt.
A step-by-step guide to the full process — from application through milestone attempt.
Application Process
- 01
Submit Online Application
Complete our application & share it with contact@landerchallenge.space
View Application → - 02
Schedule Safety Interview
You will receive an email from the Lander Challenge team. Please let us know of 3–5 available time slots over the next two weeks to meet with our safety council.
- 03
Safety Interview
Teams must prepare a 5–10 minute presentation overviewing their team and application for a 45 minute interview with our safety council.
- 04
Decision
Following the interview, the Lander Challenge team will follow up with a decision and next steps.
- 05
Begin Onboarding or Re-Apply
Depending on the outcome, teams may be invited to begin onboarding, or asked to address feedback and re-apply. Someone from the Lander Challenge team will personally guide you through next steps.
Onboarding Process
- 01
Join the Discord
Where further communication happens — team opportunities, updates, attempt streams, and the broader Lander Challenge community.
Join Discord → - 02
Team Logo
This will be used to help others know about your team's participation in the challenge.
Submit Here → - 03
Team Agreement
Teams must sign the agreement to be eligible to participate in the challenge. Please reach out promptly with any questions or concerns. Download the file, sign it, and submit to contact@landerchallenge.space.
Submit Signed Version → - 04
W-9 (or W-8 BEN-E for non-US teams)
We're legally required to confirm who any prize money goes to. The W-9 covers US recipients — individuals or entities. Fill it out with the info for whoever will accept prize money on your team's behalf (often your school's foundation arm, a nonprofit, or a registered student org). Non-US entities should fill out Form W-8 BEN-E instead. Submit the completed version to contact@landerchallenge.space.
Submit W-9 / W-8 BEN-E → - 05
University Acknowledgement
Send a letter stating that your university is aware of your team and participation in the Lander Challenge. Send to contact@landerchallenge.space.
Submit Here → - 06
Team Member Resumes
Please submit resumes with full names and contact emails of all team members.
Submit Here → - 07
Milestone Attempt Process
- 01
Submit an Attempt Notice
Please inform us of any attempt 3–4 weeks in advance, as early as possible.
Submit Here → - 02
Schedule Milestone Review
You will receive an email from the Lander Challenge team. Please let us know of 3–5 available time slots over the next two weeks to meet with our safety council and the Lander Challenge team.
- 03
Milestone Review
Teams must prepare a detailed presentation covering the milestone attempt. The milestone review can also be combined with any internal review occurring — please inform us if that is the case in the attempt notice form.
- 04
Logistics Meeting
The Lander Challenge team will meet with someone from your team to plan out the public announcement process and logistics of the attempt day. Our team will do their best to attend each and every attempt.
- 05
Make the Attempt!
Good luck! Share the news on Discord a few days before. If you have a live stream link, share it with the community to follow along.
Join Discord → - 06
Decision Time!
Share your data, videos, and anything else you have with the Lander Challenge team. The safety council will meet and decide if your attempt is successful.
Questions?
Reach out to the Lander Challenge team directly or join the Discord community.