HeroX is a platform and open market for crowdsourcing innovation. | Supply: HeroX
HeroX right this moment introduced the pre-launch of the “Rock and Roll with NASA Problem.” The problem invitations the worldwide innovation neighborhood to make use of NASA’s small, semi-autonomous MicroChariot Rover as a testbed for designing and testing novel versatile, light-weight, and sturdy wheel and tire ideas.
NASA is returning to the Moon with the purpose of enabling sustainable floor operations. A key piece of this imaginative and prescient might be next-generation wheel and tire expertise that may face up to the tough lunar atmosphere whereas carrying payloads throughout rugged terrain.
There are three phases to this problem. The primary begins this fall with ideation and design. The prototyping section will comply with, stretching from winter to spring 2026. Lastly, it’ll finish with an indication section in the summertime of 2026.
Profitable groups will push your entire lunar mobility ecosystem ahead, serving to to pave the way in which for future lunar missions, and should have their designs examined by NASA. The Rock and Roll with NASA Problem invitations individuals to create an unique wheel and tire design that meets NASA’s efficiency objectives, clarify the science behind it, and–if chosen–construct and display it.
The problem will formally launch this fall and can award as much as $150,000 in prizes throughout all phases mixed. HeroX famous that technical necessities, prize quantities, mental property pointers, and judging standards shall be detailed within the official problem guidelines at launch. Till then, particulars are topic to alter.
What’s NASA on the lookout for?
NASA mentioned that inflexible wheels can work for sluggish, cautious driving, however higher-speed mobility requires wheels that may take up shocks and impacts whereas remaining light-weight and long-lasting. NASA is on the lookout for groundbreaking wheel ideas that stability low mass, excessive compliance (shock absorption), and prolonged service life on the Moon.
The idea ought to deal with MicroChariot as a proving floor. Submissions will display how the identical compliance mechanism, supplies, and manufacturing strategy may develop (or shrink) with out re-tooling.
HeroX and NASA mentioned crowdsourcing can uncover hidden gems from college students, hobbyists, startups, and established companies. It mentioned the profitable groups will assist form the way forward for lunar mobility and may even see their designs examined at NASA.
Finalist prototypes shall be mounted to NASA’s MicroChariot Floor Take a look at Unit (MCGTU) and examined at speeds as much as 15 MPH. The MCGTU, a 100-lb. Earth-bound rover constructed to help with improvement of the MicroChariot System and operational ideas, incorporates a flat deck chassis (40-inch-long x 29-inch-wide x 5-inch-tall) designed for simple payload integration and runs 4 19-inch diameter wheels.
