NASA showcases lunar innovations at Watts on the Moon Challenge, Sept 2024

NASA's Watts on the Moon Challenge, which aims to enhance lunar exploration technologies, is set to conclude on September 20, 2024, at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. This initiative encourages innovators to create advanced power transmission and energy storage solutions necessary for sustained lunar missions under the Artemis program. The challenge has seen participants develop prototypes tested in conditions that mimic the Moon's extreme cold and low atmospheric pressure. The competition has focused on ensuring that astronauts can maintain a reliable power supply during long-duration missions. Kim Krome-Sieja, acting program manager at NASA, emphasized the importance of continuous power for a sustained lunar presence. The challenge has provided a platform for testing technologies that could also benefit energy systems on Earth, particularly in remote areas facing harsh weather. Finalist teams have been evaluated based on their Total Effective System Mass (TESM), which measures the efficiency of their power systems relative to their mass. The awards ceremony will recognize the top-performing teams, with a total of $1.5 million in prizes available. The event will be streamed live, allowing public engagement and media coverage. This challenge represents a significant step in preparing for future lunar missions, showcasing innovative solutions that could transform both lunar exploration and terrestrial energy systems. The collaboration between NASA and innovators highlights the agency's commitment to advancing technology for space exploration and addressing energy challenges on Earth.