HeroX is a platform and open market for crowdsourcing innovation. | Supply: HeroX
HeroX at the 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 aim of enabling sustainable floor operations. A key piece of this imaginative and prescient might be next-generation wheel and tire know-how that may stand 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 part will comply with, stretching from winter to spring 2026. Lastly, it should finish with an indication part in the summertime of 2026.
Successful groups will push your entire lunar mobility ecosystem ahead, serving to to pave the best way for future lunar missions, and should have their designs examined by NASA. The Rock and Roll with NASA Problem invitations contributors to create an unique wheel and tire design that meets NASA’s efficiency targets, clarify the science behind it, and–if chosen–construct and exhibit 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 tips, and judging standards will likely be detailed within the official problem guidelines at launch. Till then, particulars are topic to vary.
What’s NASA on the lookout for?
NASA mentioned that inflexible wheels can work for gradual, cautious driving, however higher-speed mobility requires wheels that may soak up shocks and impacts whereas remaining light-weight and long-lasting. NASA is on the lookout for groundbreaking wheel ideas that steadiness 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 exhibit how the identical compliance mechanism, supplies, and manufacturing method might develop (or shrink) with out re-tooling.
HeroX and NASA mentioned crowdsourcing can uncover hidden gems from college students, hobbyists, startups, and established corporations. It mentioned the successful groups will assist form the way forward for lunar mobility and might even see their designs examined at NASA.
Finalist prototypes will likely be mounted to NASA’s MicroChariot Floor Check Unit (MCGTU) and examined at speeds as much as 15 MPH. The MCGTU, a 100-lb. Earth-bound rover constructed to help with growth 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.
