Lunar Exploration Tools and Tasks
NASA’s Solar System Missions Directorate is looking for a few good college students to submit designs for tools and instrument packages that might get used on future human-operated lunar rovers. So, they’re holding a Moontasks design contest.
The designs need to take into account all the factors lunar explorers will face: navigating in darkness (at least part of the time), collecting dust and rock samples, establishing an outpost (and communicating their work to Earth), doing survey work, and survival issues. Designs and tools that can help astronauts deal with the pervasive effects of moon dust will be needed.
The contest is open to full-time students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions: universities, colleges, trade schools, community colleges and professional schools in the United States or its territories. Individuals or teams may apply, and interdisciplinary teams from across departments and institutions are encouraged.
NASA plans to invite contest winners to the next set of lunar technology mission tests planned for the summer or fall of 2009. Paid internships also are planned as student awards. The contest continues NASA’s tradition of investing in the nation’s education programs and ties into the agency’s goal of strengthening NASA and America’s future workforce.
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