The Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-changing (BIG) Idea Challenge for 2023 provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to design, build, and demonstrate technologies that will enable the production of lunar infrastructure from ISRU-derived metals found on the Moon. Key infrastructure products desired are storage vessels for liquids and gases, extrusions, pipes, power cables, and supporting structures (i.e. roads, landing pads, etc.).
Teams can submit proposals that focus on any part of the metal product production pipeline* from prospecting to testing.
*Proposals that focus on drilling, excavation, or transportation will NOT be considered. The challenge is NOT looking for concepts that focus on the recycling of landed assets into feedstock or metal products.
Proposal Deadline: January 24, 2023
Event Location: NASA’s Glenn Research Center
Eligibility:
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students at accredited U.S.-based colleges and universities officially affiliated with their state’s Space Grant Consortium. Non-Space Grant affiliated colleges/universities may partner with a Space Grant affiliated academic institution who takes a primary role on the project (i.e., the Space-Grant affiliated university must submit the proposal on behalf of the joint team). Minority Serving Institutions are encouraged to apply.
- Open to U.S. citizens attending U.S.-based universities.
- Requires a primary advisor from a space grant affiliated school (the lead institution). *Any additional advisors can be from academia or industry.
Visit the website or the frequently asked questions to learn more about the challenge.
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Note: As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, NASA will closely monitor and follow guidelines from federal, state and community officials regarding on-site competitions. Protecting the health and safety of team members, staff and judges is our primary priority. Challenge managers will be in contact with participants on specifics and changes to the challenges, if any.