NASA launches competition to fast-track lunar surface technology for South Pole base
NASA issued a solicitation on Sept. 8 inviting industry, academia and partners to develop key technologies for a sustainable Moon base at the lunar South Pole.
On Sept. 8 NASA released the NextSTEP-3 Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator solicitation, seeking proposals to mature technologies needed for a permanent presence on the Moon’s South Pole. The program focuses on vertical solar arrays, regolith-derived oxygen extraction, radioisotope Stirling generators, in-space advanced manufacturing, and the creation of high-quality nanomaterials for lunar use. Greg Stover, director of NASA’s Advanced Research and Technology Division, emphasized that partnering with industry will strengthen the national industrial base and accelerate capability development.
The competition is open to U.S. companies, academic institutions, non-profits and eligible international partners operating in U.S.-led teams. Selected contractors will deliver demonstration results that could inform future NASA acquisition strategies. Contact information for the program is provided by Rob Margetta in Washington.
Why it matters
Developing these lunar technologies is crucial for establishing a long-term, sustainable human presence on the Moon.
In this story
