Feature · Science / TechnologyLunar Grounding ChallengeAs an astronaut traverses the lunar South Pole, tribocharging from walking on the lunar surface and plasma charging from the ambient plasma generate electric charge on the spacesuit. This problem is severely compounded when entering lunar shadows and Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs). In these dark zones, the spacesuit can buildup a substantial negative potential due […]Read the full story →Bailey Light · October 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Feature · Science / TechnologyNASA Opens 2027 Human Lander Challenge for Lunar CommunicationsNASA’s 2027 Human Lander Challenge is seeking ideas from college and university students to help address one of the most critical needs for sustained lunar exploration: reliable communications. As NASA prepares for long-term human presence on the Moon through the Artemis and Moon Base programs, communications systems will be just as important as spacecraft and […]Read the full story →Bailey Light · September 29, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Feature · Science / TechnologyNASA ORBIT Challenge 2027The NASA ORBIT (Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology for the Workforce) Challenge invites university and community college students nationwide to work with real NASA intellectual property and mission challenges. Choose your path: develop commercial applications of NASA patents that solve problems here on Earth (ORBIT Earth), or design next-generation technologies for space exploration […]Read the full story →Bailey Light · September 28, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Feature · Science / TechnologyNASA Unveils Winning Designs for Mars Space Food Systems ChallengeNASA announced the winners of the Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table Thursday, with the top $300,000 prize being awarded to Chinyere Ukeje of Philadelphia, Pa. for the Adaptive Nourishment Infrastructure (ANI) food system concept. This competition challenged solvers to explore innovative solutions for integrated space food systems that would provide safe, nutritious meals […]Read the full story →Bailey Light · September 24, 2026 at 2:01 PM
