m. , will feature 50 college teams designing, building, and operating lunar robot prototypes. The self-driving rovers must construct a berm from simulated lunar regolith to protect Artemis infrastructure.
According to NASA, berms could shield equipment from debris, shade propellant tanks, and protect a nuclear power plant from radiation. Media must RSVP by May 18 to the Kennedy newsroom. NASA software developer Kurt Leucht said the task of robotically building berm structures will be important for crewed lunar missions.
He added that competing teams are building critical engineering skills and helping NASA prepare for future Artemis missions. The Lunabotics Challenge, established in 2010, is one of NASA's Artemis Student Challenges aimed at engaging students in STEM fields. Specific participating colleges, robot designs, and the winning prize have not been announced.