NASA launches $150,000 Lunar Grounding Challenge to curb astronaut static buildup

NASA announced a new Lunar Grounding Challenge to address the risk of astronauts becoming highly charged “walking capacitors” on the lunar surface. The problem stems from tribocharging and plasma charging, especially in permanently shadowed regions where suits can build a large negative potential. If a charged astronaut contacts a lander, a sudden discharge could damage suit materials, electronics, and the oxygen environment.

The competition invites innovators to propose lightweight, low-power mitigation systems that can operate for up to four EVAs across ten days. Submissions opened on October 5 and must be received by January 15, 2027, with a total prize pool of $150,000. NASA emphasizes that the solution must fit strict mass, volume, and power limits while withstanding lunar dust and extreme temperature conditions.