NASA Launches $20,000 Challenge to Design Lunar Rescue System

NASA is intensifying its efforts to ensure astronaut safety during its upcoming Artemis missions. Among the challenges being addressed is the scenario of an incapacitated astronaut stranded on the Moon. In such a case, their crewmate would need a reliable method to transport them back to the lunar lander. To tackle this issue, NASA has turned to the public, offering a significant incentive for innovative Lunar Rescue System ideas.

The space agency has launched the “South Pole Safety: Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System” challenge, inviting entries until 23rd January 2025. The competition will award at least $45,000 in total, with $20,000 going to the first-place winner.

The Details of the Lunar Rescue System Challenge

Participants must design a system capable of moving a fully suited astronaut over a distance of two kilometres up a 20-degree incline without the aid of a rover. The design must also function in the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole, where extreme temperatures and rugged terrain pose significant obstacles.

The rescue system must accommodate the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit developed for the Artemis missions. While a fully suited astronaut weighs approximately 343 kg (755 lbs) on Earth, the Moon’s lower gravity reduces this to a more manageable 57 kg (125 lbs). Nevertheless, the task remains physically demanding, especially as rescuers must navigate treacherous lunar landscapes while wearing their own bulky suits.

Challenges of the Lunar South Pole

Extreme Temperatures and Rugged Terrain

Designing a rescue system for the Moon means contending with extreme temperature fluctuations, from 54°C in sunlight to -203°C at night. Materials and electronics used in the system must endure these severe conditions without failure.

Navigating the lunar regolith, a fine but razor-sharp dust, presents another major challenge. This abrasive material is notorious for damaging mechanical systems. The terrain itself, littered with craters and large boulders, further complicates the task, while micrometeoroids present a constant risk.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts, including NASA engineers, based on criteria such as the system’s weight, ease of use, and impact on the astronaut’s suit design. Notably, the challenge excludes considerations for treating an injured astronaut during transit, focusing solely on the transportation mechanism.

How to Participate

NASA is accepting submissions via the HeroX portal, a platform frequently used for public competitions. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for innovators to contribute to lunar exploration efforts and potentially see their designs used on the Moon – ideally, in an emergency-free mission.

With a submission deadline of 23rd January 2025, the competition allows aspiring designers to play a role in shaping the future of space exploration while vying for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money.