Lunar Wombats
NASA’s Break the Ice Lunar Challenge
Utilis Machina is proud to announce the selection of our team, Lunar Wombats, to the semifinal level of the NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge.
“NASA has named 15 teams moving on to compete in the semifinal level of its Break the Ice Lunar Challenge. The $3.5 million multi-phase challenge invites problem-solvers from businesses, academia, maker communities, and more to play a role in building a lasting human presence and vibrant economy on the Moon by tapping into resources that are already there.
Twenty-five teams from around the world submitted entries for the first, qualifying level of Phase 2 competition. A panel of government, industry, and academic experts in in-situ resource utilization, or ISRU – the technical term for using local resources – evaluated teams’ entries and selected the winners based on submissions of detailed technical reports, engineering designs, and test plans.” - NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge Administrator
Remote Northern California Test Range
15-daY Durability Demonstration Summer 2023
next steps!
While not selected to move on to Phase 2 Level3 we are excited for the future!
Excavation Transportation System (ETS) version 2 underdevelopment
Technology spinoffs
Full-scale terrestrial testing of a 250 kg prototype robotic system
Site operating and streaming online 24 hours a day for 15 days non-stop
“These tests are essential in identifying design and operational deficiencies very early on. We hope to get the chance to troubleshoot our own technology so we can make improvements to our prototype and, ideally, it can reliably operate on the Moon one day.” - Rob Beetem
Phase 2 Level 2 Completed!
“The Centennial Challenge is the highest level of prize competition hosted by NASA and attracts the most competitive field of entries. Teams entering Phase 2 Level 2 of NASA’s Break The Ice Lunar Challenge were particularly aggressive in developing innovative prototype robotic systems and raised the bar for all competitors.” - NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge Administrator
