NASA Issues Call for Moon Base Tech Proposals

NASA seeks innovative technologies to support a lunar base in the Moon’s South Pole.

NASA is calling for proposals to advance technology crucial for establishing a Moon Base. Announced on September 8th, this effort will focus on addressing capability gaps, such as power generation and oxygen extraction, necessary for exploring the lunar South Pole. The NextSTEP-3 Broad Agency Announcement includes a solicitation for the Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator, which aims to mature technologies like vertical solar arrays and in situ resource utilization. Other areas include radioisotope Stirling generators and in-space advanced manufacturing to support autonomy on the Moon. Participants from private industry and academia are encouraged to contribute to these U.S.-led initiatives, potentially influencing NASA's future strategies.