NASA is inviting innovators to participate in developing a life-saving Lunar Rescue System for astronauts who might get stranded on the Moon. As part of the Artemis missions, the agency is offering up to $20,000 for the best design that can safely transport an astronaut wearing a full spacesuit across the Moon’s rough terrain. This competition aims to address the challenges of extreme lunar temperatures, rugged surfaces, and bulky spacesuits.
Submissions are open until January 23, 2025, through the HeroX portal. NASA has set aside a $45,000 prize pool for the South Pole Safety Challenge: Lunar Rescue System, with $20,000 going to the top design. The mission, scheduled for September 2026, raises concerns about astronauts becoming incapacitated on the Moon and needing to be transported back to the lunar lander by a crewmate.
The Lunar Rescue System challenge asks participants to develop a plan capable of moving an astronaut, fully suited in an Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit, at least two kilometers up a 20-degree slope, without relying on a rover. The terrain includes large rocks and craters, making movement on the Moon’s surface difficult. A manual carry is impractical, so a technological solution is required to address the challenges of weight, terrain, and the Moon’s environment.
The competition is open until January 25, 2025, and entries will be evaluated by a NASA panel of experts. Submissions will be assessed based on factors like weight, ease of use, and impact on the astronaut’s suit. More details are available on the official HeroX portal.
NASA’s Lunar Rescue System challenge emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring astronaut safety in the event of an emergency during the Artemis missions. If an astronaut becomes incapacitated due to injury, a medical emergency, or an accident, it will be vital to have a reliable means of transport to bring them back to the lunar lander. The design submitted for the challenge must account for the harsh conditions of the Moon’s South Pole, where temperatures can drop extremely low and the surface is covered with jagged rocks and large craters.
Participants are tasked with creating a system that can autonomously or manually transport an astronaut in a fully suited Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit, which is bulky and heavy, even though the Moon’s lower gravity makes it feel lighter. Given the challenging conditions and the lack of a rover, the rescue system must be self-sufficient and capable of handling these extreme environments without the need for additional equipment.
The winner of the challenge will not only earn a significant financial reward but will also contribute to the development of a crucial system for the future of space exploration. NASA’s experts and engineers will rigorously evaluate each submission based on the design’s effectiveness, practicality, and ability to operate in the Moon’s demanding South Pole region.
For those interested in applying, the HeroX portal provides a platform to submit designs, with a final deadline of January 25, 2025. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, and NASA will be selecting the most viable solutions to support the safety and success of future lunar missions.
