NASA has launched a unique challenge to engage creative minds worldwide in designing a life-saving system for rescuing astronauts stranded on the Moon. With a prize of up to $20,000, the agency is seeking innovative ideas to transport astronauts in spacesuits across the Moon’s treacherous south pole terrain.
This initiative, part of NASA’s South Pole Safety Challenge: Lunar Rescue System, comes as preparations intensify for the Artemis mission, slated for launch in September 2026. NASA aims to ensure astronaut safety in extreme lunar conditions, where rocky surfaces, large craters, and steep inclines pose significant challenges.
The Challenge
Participants must develop a system capable of:
•Safely transporting an incapacitated astronaut in a spacesuit over a distance of at least 2 kilometers uphill.
•Functioning without the aid of a lunar rover.
•Enduring the Moon’s harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and uneven terrain.
•Given the impracticality of manual transportation due to the combined weight of the astronaut and their suit, NASA is calling for smart, lightweight, and efficient technological solutions.
How to Participate
Submissions are open on the HeroX platform until January 23, 2025. Entries will be judged by NASA experts based on criteria such as:
•Design weight and ease of use.
•Suitability for the Moon’s conditions.
•Minimal impact on the astronaut’s spacesuit.
•The total prize pool for the challenge is $45,000, reflecting NASA’s commitment to fostering safety innovations for its lunar missions.
This challenge highlights NASA’s proactive approach to tackling potential emergencies on the Moon. As Sarah Duglas, a NASA official, explained:
“The Moon’s extreme environment demands a reliable and efficient plan to ensure astronaut safety.”
With this initiative, NASA is not only enhancing the safety of its upcoming Artemis mission but also inviting the global community to contribute to humanity’s exploration of the Moon.
