Find Me on the Moon: NASA Seeks Navigation Solutions for Lunar Exploration

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 11, 2024

As part of the Artemis lunar exploration campaign, NASA aims to deepen its understanding of the moon’s surface and prepare for future Mars missions. The Artemis missions will target the lunar south pole, a region that holds scientific interest due to its permanently shadowed areas, which may contain water ice reserves vital for sustaining human exploration. This will be NASA’s first crewed moon landing since the Apollo era over five decades ago.

Shackleton Crater, a notable area of interest within the lunar south pole, spans 13 miles (21 km) in diameter and is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) deep. The crater’s continuous shadows keep its floor extremely cold, possibly trapping water ice beneath its surface. To support these ambitious missions, NASA is calling for innovative solutions through two distinct challenges.

Challenge 1: NASA seeks a reliable orienteering device that will assist astronauts in navigating across the lunar surface and safely returning to their lander. While Apollo astronauts had similar tools, NASA is encouraging creative, new approaches. The proposed solution must be precise, user-friendly, and operable by astronauts wearing pressurized gloves. Eligible solutions may win a portion of the $15,000 prize pool.

Challenge 2: This challenge focuses on exploring Shackleton Crater. NASA is asking participants to devise a system that can function under the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole. The system should map the crater, analyze its contents, and send the data back for future use. Successful designs could earn a share of the $30,000 prize.

Additionally, an extra $5,000 will be awarded for exceptional achievements across both challenges, bringing the total prize pool to $50,000.

Award: $50,000 in total prizes

Open Date: September 4, 2024

Close Date: November 25, 2024

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Related Links

Find Me on the Moon

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