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NASA is calling on individuals and teams to come up with innovative solutions to support Artemis astronauts as they explore the lunar south pole.
The Artemis program, which launched successfully in November 2022, marks NASA’s return to crewed lunar exploration after a break of over 50 years. The mission’s name is inspired by Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon and the twin sister of Apollo, whose namesake program first landed humans on the lunar surface in 1969.
A New Era of Lunar Exploration Aimed at Mapping Shackleton Crater
The Artemis program faces unique challenges due to the extreme conditions at the South Pole.
NASA is focusing on the Moon’s south pole because its permanently shadowed craters might contain frozen water. This water could be a crucial resource for long missions on the Moon and future trips to Mars. However, exploring this area is difficult because of its harsh environment and low light.
NASA invites public to design Artemis moon mission navigation tech https://t.co/V3NBPJu1gZ pic.twitter.com/nUtb0RYYVf
— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) September 21, 2024
To address these challenges, NASA launched the Lunar Navigation Challenge on September 4 to address the difficulties of orienting astronauts in this harsh, low-light environment.
The first part of the challenge involves designing a low-tech, power-independent device to help astronauts navigate during Extravehicular Activities (EVAs).
Given the low elevation of the sun at the lunar south pole, astronauts will face complex lighting and shadow conditions, making it difficult to rely solely on sight for navigation.
The proposed device must be durable, easy to use with pressurized gloves, and highly accurate in the moon’s extreme environment. The best solution will receive $15,000 in prize money.
The second section of the competition seeks innovative approaches to surveying and mapping Shackleton Crater, a 13-mile-wide, 2.6-mile-deep depression near the south pole.
In support of @NASAArtemis, the Find Me on the Moon: NASA Lunar Navigation Challenge is seeking low-tech and high-tech solutions related to navigating the lunar surface. Enter now thru 11/25 for a chance to win from $50,000 in total prizes.
Learn more >> https://t.co/WbJS025D46
— NASA Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (@NASAPrize) September 10, 2024
While the crater’s permanently shadowed regions make exploration difficult, the presence of frozen water makes it a prime target as a resource and for scientific study.
NASA is offering a $30,000 prize for the best mapping solution. Additional prizes worth $5,000 will reward submissions that show exceptional promise.
Participants have until November 25, 2024, to submit their entries.
The winners will be announced on January 15, 2025. NASA is leveraging this challenge to harness public creativity, advancing its mission to enable sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond.
