NASA is calling on innovators and engineers to design a system that can transport a stranded astronaut across the Moon’s surface without relying on a rover. The agency aims to develop a solution for emergency rescue situations, ensuring astronaut safety during future lunar missions.
The Artemis program, which targets returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence, emphasizes this critical challenge. NASA has set a deadline of January 23, 2025, for proposals and is offering a $20,000 grand prize for the best concept. Two additional teams will receive a total of $45,000.
The risks associated with lunar exploration are real. A past incident in 1971 resulted in the deaths of three cosmonauts due to cabin depressurization. Despite no astronaut deaths in space vacuum, NASA seeks to ensure rescue plans for emergency situations.
Recent missions, like Apollo 11, highlight the need for a backup plan. The South Pole region, where Artemis III and IV missions will target, presents extreme conditions, including temperature swings and abrasive lunar regolith.
Proposals must outline how the system would work, its feasibility, and ability to withstand harsh lunar environments. Submissions are open to anyone with creative solutions, with winning ideas potentially playing a critical role in future Moon missions.
This challenge offers an opportunity for innovators to contribute to groundbreaking space exploration efforts. The deadline is January 23, 2025, for proposals, which can be submitted on the HeroX platform.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/02/nasa-is-offering-45000-to-help-rescue-a-stranded-astronaut-on-the-moon