NASA announces competition for inventors: $45 thousand for development of astronaut rescue system on the Moon

In the harsh lunar environment, there is a high probability that one of the crew members could become incapacitated. This is especially true for the upcoming Artemis III mission, which will see two astronauts explore the moon's south pole. That's why NASA has announced a new competition for inventors.

Photo: Forplayday | Dreamstime.com

NASA's Artemis III campaign is planned for 2026. The goals of this mission are to conduct experiments and collect samples to deepen knowledge of the Moon's geology and resources, and to test new technologies and systems that will ensure a long-term human presence on the Moon. However, an important part of Artemis III is crew safety.

Unlike subsequent missions that will be equipped with a rover, the crews of Artemis III and IV will not have access to the rover. This restriction requires that all equipment be carried and operated by the crew members themselves.

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The lunar south pole is a very challenging place. Because the moon has no atmosphere and has a minimal axial tilt, temperatures can vary dramatically. Sunlit areas can reach scorching highs of around 130°F (54°C), while parts in permanent shadow can drop to frigid lows of around -334°F (-203°C). Equipment and suits must operate efficiently in this temperature range, and thermoregulation is a constant challenge for crew members.

Lighting conditions at the South Pole are unique. The sun hovers near the horizon, creating long shadows that obscure surface features and make navigation difficult. Low-angle lighting can impair depth perception, increasing the risk of tripping.

The terrain itself is littered with rocks and craters. With about one-sixth the gravity of Earth, the Moon's gravitational pull affects how crew members move and handle objects. While the reduced gravity allows for heavier loads to be lifted than on Earth, it means that inertia is an issue; once an object is in motion, it is more difficult to stop, affecting both walking and the handling of tools and equipment. Regolith (moon dust) consists of small, sharp particles that can cling to surfaces due to an electrostatic charge. It can interfere with equipment, compromise the integrity of seals and joints, and pose safety and health risks (if ingested or inhaled), although spacesuits are designed to minimise exposure. The Moon's lack of an atmosphere exposes the surface to solar radiation and the risk of micrometeoroid impacts.

Artemis III will involve a multi-day journey into lunar orbit and then a descent to the lunar surface near the South Pole, a region that has never been explored by humans. During its mission, crew members will travel up to 2 kilometers from the landing site to conduct scientific research.

During early Artemis missions, there will be only two astronauts on the lunar surface. Safety protocols dictate that all spacewalks be performed by two crew members working closely together.

If one crew member becomes incapacitated during the mission, they will need to be returned to the landing platform. It is expected that one person should be able to transport another up to 2 km and at an angle of up to 20 degrees across the lunar landscape without the aid of a rover.

NASA is seeking innovative solutions that would allow a single astronaut to safely transport a fully incapacitated partner, weighing approximately 343 pounds (XNUMX kg) and their equipment, across the lunar surface in the South Pole. The solution must be lightweight, easy to deploy, and work effectively in the extreme lunar environment.

Requirements for the solution include low weight (no more than 23 kg), minimal volume, ability to transport an astronaut over long distances, ease of deployment, and the use of materials that can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and lunar dust. Full technical details can be found by following the link at the beginning of the article.

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Prize

The $45 reward is divided among five entries:

• First place - $20
• Second place - $10
• Third place - 3 winners $5000 each

Timeline

Applications will be accepted starting November 14 and will run until January 25, 2025. The winners will be announced on February 27.

Rules of participation

• The competition is open to individuals 18 years of age or older, participating individually or in teams. They may be from any country, unless participation is prohibited by U.S. federal sanctions.
• Applications are accepted in English only. All communication about the competition will also be in English.
• NASA welcomes participation from independent individuals and teams without specialized expertise.

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