There is a need for the most accurate system of near real-time surveying above or below ground to produce 3-Dimensional point clouds representing evolving topography on the moon.

The system needs low latency and needs to provide simultaneous localization and mapping of surface or sub-surface from one or more robotic agents.

The near real-time surface or subsurface map (dm or better resolution for RMSE of point clouds) is acquired from one (or more) robotic agents, over an area that is at least several hundred square meters. Near real-time position estimation relative to the surface or subsurface map is required.

Final short-listed companies will be invited to present their solution [virtually or in person] at the NASA-USGS Workshop: Planetary Subsurface Exploration for Science and Resources at NASA Ames in Moffett Field, San Jose, California on 21-22 May 2024.

Background

Sustained human presence off-world will require elements of autonomy to conduct dull, dirty and dangerous work, including above and below-ground excavation. This work will likely be done by multiple autonomous systems, relying on low latency maps of topography in an environment that may not have GNSS.

NASA is looking to ensure sustained human presence off-world. This presence is in planning stages with commercial lunar service payloads launching over the next decade.

Near real-time surveying representing the evolving topography will be a critical requirement to sustain humans off-world.

 Goals and known methods

The goal is to uncover the most capable system of creating low latency surveys of surface or sub-surface from one or more ground agents.

The technology for off-world autonomy will serve broad range of terrestrial uses cases, from industry to defence, where rapid site excavation in remote areas is an asset.

Current technologies depend on being airborne for synoptic view of sites or use GNSS (or lunar equivalent).

Airborne systems, like UAS or drone deployed SLAM will not work in many off-world settings with little to no atmosphere. Mechanically scanner sensors (e.g., spinning lidar) will be difficult, or impossible, to qualify for space flight due to shock/vibe (associated with launch and landing) or environmental conditions (e.g., lunar dust).

Phase 1

An online Opportunity Briefing was held on Wednesday, 3 April 2024. This was a high-level exploration of the opportunities, the context and what is required. 

Short-form solutions closed on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.

Solution providers are now asked to prepare a 5-minute Video Pitch to broadly outline their capabilities and present their solution. Once your video is ready, please email admin@mineinnovate.com.au to access the link to upload your video. Videos are due by Friday, 3 May 2024. 

The solutions will be evaluated by an expert panel. 

A shortlisting process will then take place and successful companies will be invited to participate in Phase 2.

Phase 2

Shortlisted companies will be invited to the NASA-USGS Workshop in San Jose, California to pitch their solution virtually or in person. This workshop will take place Tuesday and Wednesday 21-22 May 2024.

Webinar: NASA Innovation Opportunities Information Session

See link below

Michelle Keegan, Program Director Resources & Space at AROSE, and Christine Gibbs Stewart, CEO Austmine, shed light on innovation opportunities in space and how Australian METS can lend our expertise!

Participants discovered more about the need for METS technology on the moon with a focus on lunar exploration, data fusion and autonomous systems, and learnt about the opportunity to showcase solutions at a NASA-USGS workshop in May.

Whether it's your individual business or a collaborative effort between multiple companies, there's a chance to propel our METS sector to new heights, including the moon and beyond.

Watch the Webinar Recording here