Photo of the moon against a cloudy background

New student organization launched to promote space exploration and development; apply for a challenge offered through NASA

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space—Case Western Reserve University Chapter (SEDS—CWRU) is part of a network of international student organizations with the purpose of promoting space exploration and development through educational and engineering projects. 

SEDS-CWRU will host regular competitions, informative talks from industry professionals, social activities and much more. Students from different backgrounds and majors are welcome to join SEDS-CWRU.

The organization now is accepting applications for the new NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge. This is an opportunity for CWRU students to enhance their preparedness and work ethic by allowing them to experience and compete in this NASA contest. The challenge is designed to develop new technologies that could support a sustained human presence on the moon by the end of the decade. 

NASA is looking for eligible teams required to design a system architecture, and address necessary hardware, concepts of operations, lunar environmental conditions, and specific performance analyses. Teams also will need to address supporting materials for key technology gaps related to the excavation and delivery of icy regolith—capable of operating in the extreme cold and permanent near-permanent darkness of the Lunar South Pole. 

The challenge consists of two phases. The first phase is open to anyone and would have a prize pool of up to $125,000 and up to 10 runners-up.

The deadline for students to submit an application is Feb. 10. Fill out the application form.Those who would like to learn more about the challenge or join the organization can email seds.cwru@gmail.com or dim6@case.edu.