NASA, on their hunt for interesting concepts that could aid in rescuing any astronaut who is left stranded on the Moon, is offering a prize of up to $45,000. In line with the Artemis program, which is focused on creating a permanently inhabited lunar base, NASA is seeking a novel means of transporting an injured or unconscious astronaut over rugged terrain without any assistance from a rover.
Engineers, space enthusiasts, and other solution-oriented individuals from anywhere in the globe can take part in this challenge. The concept will have 1st place with a prize of $20,000, while 2 other potential candidates will get the shared prize of $45,000.
With NASA preparing for future missions that are focused around the South Pole of the Moon, an area that consists of harsh temperatures and hostile terrain, they have emphasized their need for a reliable contingency plan in case of emergencies
Nasa challenge: Moving an Astronaut without a rover
With the new Axiom spacesuit designed in collaboration with Prada and weighing around 343 kg (750Ibs) on Earth, rescuing another astronaut to carry over 2km of rocky terrain will not be an easy task though the lunar gravity will reduce the weight to 57kg (125 Ibs).
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To make things even more challenging, NASA’s guidelines specify that the rescue system must:
- Transport an astronaut across 2 km (1.2 miles) of lunar terrain.
- Handle slopes as steep as 20 degrees.
- Function without the aid of a rover.
To tackle the challenge, Dr. Emily Carter a former NASA engineer had a few words to share,
“This competition could open doors to unprecedented solutions in astronaut safety. Future missions have to be catered to a worst-case scenario approach,” he said.
The South Pole basks in the glow of the sun at +55°C (131°F) but takes a freezing plunge to -200°C (-328°F) in a matter of minutes. Such environmental features define the Moon’s surface, where everything is uncomplicated.
Furthermore, the movement of humans and machines on the Moon is restricted due to the moon dust, known as regolith, which is fine and abrasive. Therefore, any rescue plan must be efficient, rigid, and sustainable to cope with such dire conditions.
Proposals for NASA’s Lunar Astronaut Rescue Challenge are open to the public and have to come up with a hypothetical solution. Effective plans will be required to detail the working mechanism of the proposed solution along with its feasibility in the Moon’s harsh conditions.
The simplicity of the challenge however inviting is deceptive and daunting. The best suggestion has the potential to single-handedly redefine the future of space exploration.
That prize alone is better than a financial reward. Not only will the winning suggestion make lunar walks for astronauts safer, but also provide future limpets a life life-saving gear.
While the financial reward is an incentive, the real prize is the potential to contribute to the future of space exploration. The winning idea could play a vital role in astronaut safety, ensuring that future moonwalkers have a lifeline when they need it most.