NASA is launching a competition to develop a reliable rescue system for astronauts stranded on the lunar surface due to an injury, medical emergency, or accident. The Artemis mission in 2026 aims to explore the Moon’s south pole, but the harsh environment poses significant challenges. A fully suited astronaut cannot be manually transported due to the weight of their spacesuit.
The Lunar Rescue System must be able to transport an astronaut over two kilometers, up slopes of 20 degrees, and operate independently without relying on a rover. The system must also accommodate the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit and function effectively in extreme conditions.
Entries for the competition are open until January 23, 2025, and will be evaluated by a panel of NASA experts based on criteria such as weight, ease of use, and impact on astronaut safety. This challenge aims to ensure astronaut safety while establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/how-would-you-rescue-stranded-astronauts-like-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-nasa-is-offering-20000-for-your-plan/articleshow/115980665.cms?from=mdr