BIG Idea Challenge by NASA

Engaging Universities in NASA’s Mission to Develop Space Exploration Technologies in Lunar Forge: Producing Metal Products on the Moon

The 2023 NASA Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-changing (BIG) Idea Challenge provides undergraduate and graduate students up to $180,000 to design, develop, and demonstrate technologies that will enable the production of lunar infrastructure from ISRU-derived metals found on the Moon. Key infrastructure products desired are storage vessels for liquids and gases, extrusions, pipes, power cables, and supporting structures (i.e., roads, landing pads, etc.). Teams are invited to submit proposals for that focus on any part of the metal product production pipeline* from prospecting to testing. Open to teams of undergraduate and graduate students at accredited U.S.-based colleges and universities officially affiliated with their state’s Space Grant Consortium.

*Exclusions: Proposals that focus on drilling, excavation, or transportation will NOT be considered for selection in the 2023 BIG Idea Challenge. The challenge is not looking for concepts that focus on the recycling of landed assets into feedstock or metal products.

This is only a brief excerpt of the 2023 BIG Idea Challenge. Please read the full, printable 2023 Competition Guidelines.

Eligibility: The BIG Idea Challenge is open to teams of between five and 25 undergraduate and graduate students at accredited U.S.-based colleges and universities officially affiliated with their state’s Space Grant Consortium. Non-Space Grant affiliated colleges/universities may partner with a Space Grant affiliated academic institution who takes a primary role on the project (i.e., the Space-Grant affiliated university must submit the proposal on behalf of the joint team). Teams are also encouraged to collaborate with industry partners.

Funding: Each team will submit a detailed and realistic budget in their proposals, not to exceed $180K. A wide range of award sizes is expected (in the range of $50K to $180K), depending on the scope of the work proposed. We anticipate funding several larger-scope awards ($125 – $180K) and several smaller-scope awards ($50K – $124K). Proposers are encouraged to request what is actually needed to conduct the proposed work, because value to NASA will be considered in the selections.

Notice of Intent Deadline: Friday, Sept. 30, 2022

For details and application instructions, see:

• Challenge details
• Challenge dates
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For further information, contact:

Edward F. Duke, Director
South Dakota NASA EPSCoR
Edward.Duke@sdsmt.edu