The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC), is hosting the Second Space Resources Challenge (SRC). This initiative aims to advance technologies for the excavation and beneficiation of lunar regolith, which are crucial for future lunar missions and sustainable human presence on the Moon.
The Challenge
The challenge focuses on developing technologies for the excavation (collecting and handling lunar soil) and beneficiation (improving the quality of collected material) of lunar regolith. Participants will design and operate robotic systems to collect and sort lunar regolith simulant. The event will be held at LUNA, a 700m² facility replicating the Moon’s environment, including lighting and gravity conditions.
The best performing team overall will receive a €500,000 development contract for a feasibility study with ESA. The top team in the Beneficiation category will be awarded up to €250,000 by LSA and ESRIC. In total, participants can win up to €750,000.
LUNA Facility. Credits: ESA/DLR
Objective and Mission Scenario
Participants in the SRC will operate within a simulated mission scenario set in the 2040s, where operations to sustain a long-term human presence on the Moon using lunar resources have begun. End-to-end In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) processes have been demonstrated via robotic and crewed missions, with small-scale production of ISRU products such as oxygen and metals. Integrated systems to extract, process, and store lunar resources are in place, supporting activities like additive manufacturing for construction and refueling.
The objective is to develop technologies that can efficiently excavate and beneficiate lunar regolith, preparing it for further processing. This is crucial for producing resources like oxygen and metals, which are essential for sustaining human presence on the Moon.
If you have the expertise to design and operate robotic systems for lunar regolith processing, click on the button below to submit your proposal by 20 February 2025.
Submit your proposal