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Part of the Artemis program, NASA's new challenge seeks innovative solutions for transporting injured astronauts to the lunar surface, challenging inventors and engineers from around the world.
NASA has launched a challenge seeking solutions to rescue injured astronauts on the lunar surface. The proposal is part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon in the near future. With a total prize money of US$ 45.000 (approximately R$ 259.744,46) at the current rate), this NASA challenge invites inventors, engineers and scientists from around the world to submit their ideas.
The main objective is to find solutions that allow the safe transportation of a totally incapacitated crew member up to two kilometers to the lander, overcoming the challenges imposed by the extreme conditions of the lunar surface.
Rescuing astronauts from harsh lunar terrain is NASA's top concern
Rescuing an incapacitated astronaut on a lunar mission presents unique challenges, such as rugged terrain, extreme temperatures, and the presence of lunar dust. During the Apollo program, devices such as the Buddy Secondary Life Support System (BSLSS) were designed to help share resources in emergency situations, but are not suited to the complexities of the Artemis missions.
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The new solution should allow a disabled astronaut to be transported up to two kilometers to the lander without the use of motorized vehicles, such as lunar rovers. The equipment must also meet a series of strict requirements:
- Maximum weight: less than 23 kilos;
- Compression: minimal bulk design for easy transport during extravehicular activities (EVA);
- Resistance: ability to operate in extreme temperatures and withstand lunar dust;
- Adaptability: possibility of use on uneven terrain, with slopes of up to 20 degrees, as well as rocky surfaces and craters.
Despite the technical challenges, the device does not need to offer life support or medical care, just an efficient means of transportation.
Who can participate in the NASA challenge?
The NASA Challenge is open to individuals 18 years of age or older and teams of any nationality, as long as they are not subject to federal sanctions. United States. Those interested in the cash prize can submit their proposals through the HeroX platform, which manages the challenge.
Entrants must submit detailed technical design concepts, ideally accompanied by preliminary CAD models, by the deadline of January 23, 2025. NASA will announce the winners on February 27, 2025.
According to the agency, this open approach seeks to attract innovative minds from different areas of knowledge, from engineers to technology enthusiasts, to tackle one of the most challenging problems in manned space missions.
Solutions under study: Wheeled device is favorite
Preliminary studies indicate that wheeled transportation devices have the greatest potential to reduce risk. However, integrating such a system into the Artemis EVA spacesuit presents a considerable technical challenge.
NASA is also evaluating other ideas, but solutions based on walking assistance do not meet the main requirement: ensuring the transportation of an astronaut. “totally incapacitated”. Therefore, the equipment needs to be easy to deploy, efficient and safe, even in emergency situations.
How important is the challenge in the context of the Artemis Program?
NASA’s Challenge comes at a critical time for the Artemis program. The first crewed landing is scheduled for no earlier than 2026, leaving a tight deadline for the development and deployment of key technologies.
The Artemis missions aim to explore unexplored areas of the Moon, including the lunar south pole, where ice deposits are believed to be present that could be used as a resource for future missions. Ensuring the safety of the crew is critical to the success of these missions and the advancement of space exploration.
How to participate in the NASA challenge and compete for the cash prize
Those interested in contributing innovative solutions to NASA's challenge can register and access more information through the official HeroX platform website.
The competition represents a unique opportunity for science and technology professionals and enthusiasts to collaborate with NASA on the development of groundbreaking technologies. In addition, the cash prize and global recognition are significant incentives for participants from around the world.
