The Aqualunar Challenge, funded by the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund and managed by Challenge Works, is specifically designed to support UK-led start-ups in developing methods to purify ice found beneath the Moon's surface. This initiative is not only pivotal for space exploration but also echoes the sentiments of the public regarding the dual benefits of space technologies. A recent study by Opinium, surveying 2,000 UK adults, revealed that 62% believe space technologies should have Earth applications, with 56% emphasizing that space technology enhances our understanding and protection of our planet.

Andrew Griffith MP, the Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, highlighted the UK's role in nurturing innovation. "The UK has always been the home of great ideas and by backing UK start-ups to develop innovative technologies, long-term missions on the Moon may be possible," he stated. This aligns with the larger objectives of the NASA-led Artemis Missions, which the UK is actively participating in, aiming to establish a permanent crewed base on the Moon by the decade's end.

Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, reiterated the broader implications of these developments. "Technologies developed for space exploration have a successful history of finding new uses on Earth," he noted, underscoring the potential Earth-bound benefits of lunar water purification technologies. The challenge focuses on purifying lunar ice, crucial for sustainable lunar habitation, which could also address pressing issues on Earth, such as water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Holly Jamieson, Executive Director at Challenge Works, elaborated on the critical needs for lunar survival. "To survive on the Moon, astronauts will need water to drink and to grow food. Water molecules - H2O - can also be split to produce oxygen to make breathable air and hydrogen for fuel," she explained. The Aqualunar Challenge invites a wide array of innovators to contribute, regardless of their prior space sector experience, reflecting a commitment to diverse and creative solutions.

The challenge resonates with public opinion on lunar sustainability and international cooperation in space exploration. According to the same Opinium study, 78% of participants underscored the importance of using the Moon's resources responsibly, and 79% believed that no single country should claim exclusive rights to lunar water. This sentiment is in line with the principles of the Artemis Accords, which the UK has endorsed since 2020, promoting responsible and sustainable lunar activities.

The Aqualunar Challenge is set to progress in phases. In June 2024, the ten most promising UK-led teams will receive GBP30k each in seed funding. By March 2025, three teams will emerge as winners, sharing an additional GBP300k to further their technological advancements. This challenge, while UK-led, is open to international collaboration, underlining the global nature of space exploration and its benefits.

To find out more and to enter the Aqualunar Challenge in the UK visit here.

Challenge Works and the UK Space Agency are working in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Impact Canada, to deliver the Aqualunar Challenge with half the prize total being awarded to UK-led teams, and half being awarded to Canadian-led teams.

Canadian-led teams can apply here.

Related Links
UK Space Agency
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