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Low-cost
Unmanned Lunar Orbiters: Orbiters
must have ability to carry out selenographical investigations of possible
Lunar Station sites. Orbiter systems must Include radar imaging, video,
and Earth-Moon
telemetry equipment. The design should allow the integration of orbital
entry and maneuvering rockets. The maximum weight will not exceed 400 pounds. Low-Cost Lunar Surface Sampling Probes: These include miniature Lunar Surface Penetraters with the capability of analyzing candidate Lunar Station sites for water and telemetering the results. All novel low-cost lightweight concepts for surface water exploration will be considered. If within the weight tolerances, this mission may be included as part of a Lunar orbiter mission. Lunar
Surface Sample and Return Probe: Hardware capable of autonomously
landing a Lunar surface sampling probe and having the capability of
returning the sample safely to Earth is under development.
Grants to build the various systems will be awarded. These systems include
a mechanical sampler, mission software, guidance and navigation, and
telemetry.
Oxygen
Extraction Equipment:
This includes efficient ways of extracting oxygen from Lunar regolith and
the processing of Lunar ice for water and its breakdown into oxygen and
hydrogen. Such equipment should also have the capability of liquefying the
gases for storage and for use as rocket propellants. Lunar
Fuel Production Equipment:
This includes equipment for the production of liquid silane using Lunar
oxygen and hydrogen. The equipment could use recoverable raw materials
from earth (such as hydrochloric acid) but should use mostly Lunar
indigenous materials. Other fuel concepts will also be considered. Lunar Station Life Support Hardware:
This includes metal habitat canister designs, inflatable habitats,
life-support equipment (ex: two gas Oxygen/Nitrogen at 5 psi) with
temperature control. Robotic
Arm and Leg Hardware:
A robotic arm with an articulate hand is required. It should include a
simple control unit such as a virtual reality glove. The robotic legs
should be able to carry and maintain the balance of a cylindrical
cylinder. Space Suit Life Support Backpack: Low-cost Portable
Gas Liquifaction units: Includes the liquefaction of oxygen, hydrogen,
and nitrogen Plant
Research:
Identifying plants that generate large quantities of oxygen and use low
quantities of carbon dioxide and at the same time produce large quantities
of protein. Cultivating these plants in minimal environments with minimal
light for the production of plant food and oxygen. Plant
Processing Equipment:
For the production of edible food from high protein producing plants.
Includes textured vegetable protein and processed products such as tofu. Portable
Lunar Excavation Equipment:
Equipment similar to a Bobcat bulldozer or other ideas will be considered.
The equipment must weigh less the 7,000 pounds. It could be hollow and be
filled with lunar material to increase its mass once it is on the surface
of the moon. Lightweight crane ideas will also be considered. The
grants will be given for a deliverable piece of hardware. They are not
study grants. Companies or individuals who have development concepts in
the required areas are requested to submit their proposals. There are no
proposal deadlines. All proposals will be considered. If you would like to
submit a proposal, click here. |
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