NASA has initiated an ambitious competition titled 'Rock and Roll with NASA,' seeking inventive designs for lunar rover wheels, with a prize pool reaching 5,000. This endeavor is critical for the upcoming Artemis program, which plans to send astronauts back to the Moon within two and a half years. Unlike the original Apollo missions, which used tires primarily for limited, slow exploration, the next generation of lunar vehicles will require far more robust and versatile wheel systems capable of navigating challenging lunar landscapes, including steep slopes and extreme temperatures, over extended periods and at higher speeds.
The current challenge stems from the recognition that Apollo's lunar vehicle wheels, while functional for their time, were not engineered for the rigorous demands of sustained lunar operations. The Artemis program envisions long-duration missions, necessitating wheels that can transport significant cargo over substantial distances, such as between landing zones and distant work sites. These advanced wheels must possess exceptional durability, shock absorption capabilities, and maintain functionality in the Moon's harsh environment, which includes vast temperature fluctuations and abrasive regolith.
To achieve this, NASA has invited engineers and innovators globally to submit their concepts. The competition is structured in three phases. The initial phase requires participants to develop and submit a 3D CAD model of their proposed wheel design, accompanied by a detailed seven-page report explaining its functionality and how it addresses NASA's stringent requirements. Submissions for this phase are due by November 5th, after which a panel of experts will select up to ten designs to advance to the second phase.
Phase two, scheduled from January to April 2026, will see selected teams constructing physical prototypes of their lunar wheels. They must also produce a video documenting the assembly and testing processes. From this group, a maximum of five teams will progress to the final phase. The ultimate test will take place at NASA's Johnson Space Center Rockyard in Texas, where these finalists will demonstrate their wheel's performance on the MicroChariot Rover, undergoing rigorous performance and durability trials.
By the summer of 2026, NASA anticipates announcing the winning design. Beyond the monetary award, participants have the unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the future of space exploration. Even non-winning designs that show promise may be adopted for other NASA missions, underscoring the agency's commitment to leveraging broad innovation. This competition is a testament to NASA's proactive approach in seeking revolutionary solutions for mobility on the lunar surface, paving the way for a more sustainable and expansive human presence beyond Earth.