A replica of the lunar surface used to test rovers
Thirteen teams from Europe and Canada have competed in the first ESA-ESRIC Space Resources Challenge. The contest sent forth all manner of prototype rovers – from traditional wheeled vehicles to those that scuttle on multiple legs – to explore a simulated lunar surface in Valkenberg, the Netherlands.
The challenge pushes space researchers and institutions to develop vehicles capable of exploring the lunar south pole for resources future missions might need. The ‘Moon Yard’ at Valkenberg is set up to simulate the low-light conditions in the region, including the permanently shadowed craters which could harbour water ice.
During the contest, the rovers had to map out an impact crater, tagging potential resources, while dealing with communications breaks, all within two and half hours. The judges will eventually pick five winners, who will be awarded €375,000 to develop their ideas for the next stage of the challenge in 2022. www.spaceresourceschallenge.esa.int