Science & Tech · Space · 2 hrs ago
NASA seeks ways to prevent electrical sparks during moonwalks
NASA is seeking ideas to prevent astronauts and spacecraft from being harmed by static electricity during moon missions.
Charge could build up on spacesuits as astronauts move across the lunar surface and through areas in shadow.
The concern is that a charged astronaut could spark when approaching a lander, potentially damaging equipment, causing a fire or giving someone an electric shock.
NASA hopes to land astronauts at the moon’s south pole in 2028 on the Artemis 4 or 5 missions, which would be the first lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Its $150,000 Lunar Grounding Challenge asks for a compact system that can safely discharge astronauts before they touch the lander, even in extreme temperatures and dusty conditions.
Entries are due Jan.
15, and the challenge will move through design and review stages before a final selection.
NASA has not said when a solution would be ready for astronauts.
NASA has opened a competition seeking ways to prevent static electricity from sparking during moonwalks.
The agency is concerned that charged spacesuits could produce electrical arcs or shocks when astronauts return to a lunar lander.
The challenge seeks technology to discharge astronauts and their suits before they touch the lander.
Submissions for the $150,000 competition are due Jan. 15.
NASA is planning for astronauts to land near the lunar south pole in 2028 during the Artemis 4 or 5 missions.
- Who
- NASA is seeking ideas from industry partners.
- What
- A $150,000 challenge will seek ways to safely discharge astronauts and spacesuits before they touch a lander.
- When
- Submissions are due Jan. 15. NASA hopes to land astronauts on the lunar south pole in 2028.
- Where
- The lunar south pole, including shadowed regions.
- Why
- Static electricity could build up on spacesuits and cause sparks, fires, damage or electric shocks when astronauts approach a lander.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apollo 17 was NASA's last landing mission before the planned Artemis missions.
Space.com reported that NASA had opened the Lunar Grounding Challenge.
Submissions for the challenge are due.
NASA hopes to put astronaut boots at the lunar south pole during Artemis 4 or 5.
NASA is planning for a long-term moon base to be largely ready, if schedules hold.
- Competition prize
- $150,000
- Submission deadline
- Jan. 15
- Planned landing region
- Lunar south pole
- Planned missions
- Artemis 4 or 5
- Target landing year
- 2028
- Moonwalk capacity sought
- Up to four extra-vehicular activities over as long as 10 days
What people are saying
This problem is severely compounded when entering lunar shadows and permanently shadowed regions
The risk occurs when an astronaut returns to the spacecraft
In addition, the suspended lunar dust and heavy dust buildup on a suit in these environments significantly increases arcing lengths, allowing sparks to jump across larger gaps than they would in a clean vacuum.
Sources
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