Packing for a trip to space is no easy feat. Astronauts on the upcoming Artemis moon missions face the challenge of efficiently storing cargo in the limited space of the Lunar Gateway. To tackle this issue, NASA organized a competition to discover innovative ways to pack and store materials for the missions.

The Lunar Gateway Cargo Packing and Storing challenge attracted participants from 35 countries, with a total of 90 submissions. Contestants had to provide written solutions and 3D computer models showcasing their ideas for storing cargo on the Gateway. The goal was to maximize volume, minimize mass, and ensure easy access for astronauts needing supplies.

And the Winner is…

The winning design came from Austria, created by designer Kriso Leinfellner. Named QASIS, short for Quick Access Storage in Space, this design focused on efficient stacking and packing techniques without the need for motors or batteries to move cargo around. Leinfellner received a prize of $3,000 for the innovative solution.

Other winners from Turkey, Brazil, Nigeria, and Germany also received prizes ranging from $2,000 to $250. Their designs considered launch and orbital conditions, as well as manual and automated systems for cargo movement.

Packing Space for Artemis and the Gateway

The Artemis program involves multiple missions with varying logistics requirements. The challenges include accommodating a crew of four on a three-week mission to the Gateway, followed by two crew members traveling to the Moon for exploration. An uncrewed Logistics module will deliver supplies to the Gateway ahead of the crew’s arrival, adding an extra complexity to the packing process.

Due to space constraints, the Gateway will be comparable in size to a one-bedroom apartment, making efficient packing essential. Once the astronauts arrive, they will need to utilize an internal system for stowing supplies. This task was the focus of the cargo stowage system design challenge.

Artemis Mission Overview

The Artemis mission is a long-term plan for lunar exploration, laying the groundwork for future Mars missions. The Gateway serves as a vital link in the mission, providing an orbiting station for crew transfer and supply storage. The complex logistics of the Artemis mission are managed from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center.

Artemis missions involve transporting materials to the Gateway for construction and exploration purposes. The station’s long-term viability and role as a staging area for lunar surface operations require careful planning and execution.

With five Artemis missions planned, including crewed lunar landings and further explorations, the packing and storing of cargo will continue to be a critical aspect of the mission’s success.

For More Information

NASA Names Winners in Lunar Gateway Packing and Storing Challenge
Gateway Logistics