NASA is on the hunt for innovative solutions to rescue an astronaut from the lunar south pole. The agency has announced a challenge, “South Pole Safety: Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System,” which awards up to $45,000 to the top winners.
The problem arises when one astronaut becomes incapacitated and cannot return to their lander. A fellow astronaut would be the only person who could potentially save them, but carrying a fully suited human back to safety is a daunting task due to the bulky suit’s weight (343 kg/755 lbs) and lunar gravity’s reduced mass.
The challenge requires designing a system capable of moving a fully suited astronaut at least two kilometers up a 20-degree slope without being attached to a rover. The solution must operate in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures (-203 C to 54 C), lunar regolith, and micrometeoroid impacts.
A panel of experts will judge the submissions, evaluating categories such as overall mass, ease of use, and impact on suit design. NASA accepts submissions through the HeroX portal until January 25th, with a potential prize of $20,000 for the first-place winner.
Source: https://www.universetoday.com/169954/nasa-is-seeking-ideas-for-rescuing-an-astronaut-from-the-moon