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Space Robotics Challenge - Autonomous Robotic Systems for Lunar ISRU

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

Advance robotic software that increases the autonomy of dexterous humanoid robots

Benefits

Phase 2 invites competitors from the public, industry and academia to develop code for a team of virtual robots that will support a simulated in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) mission for the Moon. ISRU involves gathering and using materials found locally on other worlds. The challenge requires participants to develop software that will advance technologies needed for fully autonomous operations, navigation and decision-making capabilities on the lunar surface. It will be divided in two rounds: the qualification round and final competition.

Details

Technology areaAutonomous Systems > Reasoning and Acting Technologies > Activity and Resource Planning and Scheduling
ProgramPrizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC)
Lead organizationJohnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date2019-08-01
End date2022-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.