The Moon Society is launching a $1000 cash prize for the best design of a near-term Lunar Settlement using current or very-near-future technologies. The winning design and other finalists will be featured by the Moon Society throughout a variety of media, including a printed book and eBook that we will publish. We plan to use the winning design of this contest extensively in our future outreach efforts.
- Open to All: university students, lunar researchers, and the general public. We will accept submissions from both individuals and teams, worldwide.
- $1000 First Prize plus Second & Third place prizes will be awarded.
- Top finalists will be published in a printed volume & eBook.
- Deadline is January 31, 2021 at Midnight US Central Time.
The intent of this hypothetical Moon Base is to demonstrate the feasibility of a real project like this in the next 10 years (or less). The design should be as realistic as possible and ready to manufacture, launch and make operational with existing or very-near-term launchers such as the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Ariane 6, Atlas V, Vulcan Centaur or Space Launch System. The crew for the base should be less than 30 with an ideal size of 10-20 people. (Accommodating 2-3 different national crews visiting at one time).
Each of the submissions will be judged by a panel of space technology experts on the following criteria:
- 30 points – Engineering: Systems & Technologies, Robustness & Innovation
- 30 points – Economic: Is the design financially feasible? What Income might it generate?
- 20 points – Architectural: Innovation in physical design. Is it a Beautiful place?
- 10 points – Society/Culture: How do the inhabitants live? Why would a tourist want to visit?
- 10 points – Management/Politics: Governance and Earth Relations
Each entrant should submit a PDF document of no more than 20 pages including at least one graphical rendering (diagram, concept art or 3-D model) of their design. Submissions can be made using a Google Form which is linked to below.
All entrants will retain all ownership and copyright over their designs and agree to provide the Moon Society non-exclusive rights to publish their materials and agree that the judges decisions will be final.
Teams should include the names of each team member in both the submission form and the first page of the paper. Correct contact information including email and phone will need to be provided so that finalists and winners may be contacted.