NASA is inviting the public to help solve a big challenge: rescuing astronauts who might get stranded on the Moon.
The space agency is offering up to $20,000 for the best ideas as part of their South Pole Safety Challenge.
This is all in preparation for the 2026 Artemis mission, which will send astronauts to explore the Moon’s South Pole. Scientists believe this region might hold water or ice, but it’s also extremely dangerous. With freezing temperatures of minus 203 degrees Celsius and deep, shadowy craters, astronauts could face injuries or accidents in the rocky terrain.
NASA needs designs for a Lunar Rescue System that one astronaut can use to safely carry an injured partner, even in low gravity. The system must be lightweight, easy to set up, and able to transport someone in a bulky 343-kg spacesuit back to safety.
If successful, these ideas could help make future missions to the Moon and even Mars safer. NASA hopes this challenge will inspire creative thinkers to take part in shaping the next steps in space exploration.
