NASA Launches Lunar Grounding Challenge to Mitigate Spacesuit Electrostatic Discharge

• NASA has announced the 'Lunar Grounding Challenge,' seeking innovative solutions to safely discharge electrostatic buildup from spacesuits used during lunar South Pole missions.
• The challenge offers a prize pool of up to $150,000, with submissions open from October 5, 2026, until January 15, 2027.

The Problem of Electrostatic Charge

• Spacesuits accumulate significant electric charge through tribocharging (walking on lunar surface) and plasma charging.
• In Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs), the absence of ambient ions and photoelectron emission causes a large buildup of negative potential on the suit.

Risks to Astronauts and Hardware

• Upon returning to a sunlit lander, the potential voltage difference between a negatively charged astronaut and the lander can trigger an electrostatic discharge (ESD) arc.
• Risks associated with this sudden discharge include:
  • Degradation of vital spacesuit material layers.
  • Damage to sensitive onboard electronics.
  • Safety threats to the oxygen-rich environment inside the suit.
  • Potential for severe electrical shocks to the crew members during physical contact with the vehicle.