NASA Offers $20K Prize For Lunar Rescue System To Safely Save Stranded Astronauts

NASA has announced an exciting opportunity for innovators to help develop a life-saving Lunar Rescue System to assist astronauts in distress on the Moon. The space agency is offering a grand prize of up to $20,000 for the best design capable of safely transporting an astronaut across the Moon’s rugged terrain. This initiative is part of NASA’s Artemis missions, which face significant challenges due to the Moon’s extreme conditions.

The challenge, known as the South Pole Safety Challenge: Lunar Rescue System, aims to create a solution that can transport a fully suited astronaut over two kilometers, including a 20-degree incline, without relying on a lunar rover. The Moon’s harsh environment presents several obstacles, including sharp rocks, deep craters, and steep slopes, making movement difficult even under optimal conditions.

NASA is particularly concerned about the potential for astronauts to become incapacitated due to injury or medical emergencies. In such cases, crewmates would need a reliable means to move the affected astronaut back to the lunar lander. “The unforgiving lunar environment demands innovative solutions,” said Sarah Duglas from NASA, speaking to The Sun.

The winning proposal will need to address several key criteria, including the weight and ease of transport, while also considering the impact on the astronaut’s Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit. The total prize pool for the competition is $45,000, and the deadline for submissions is January 23, 2025.

NASA is eager to find groundbreaking designs that will ensure astronaut safety during the Artemis missions, which are set to begin in September 2026. The winning entry will help lay the groundwork for safe lunar exploration and set new standards in space technology.