NASA invites students to propose a nuclear-powered moon mission

NASA has launched its fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge, inviting students in the United States from kindergarten through year 12 to imagine a nuclear-powered mission to a chosen moon within the solar system. This national essay contest has already begun and will end on January 31, 2025. The contest will focus on the unique capabilities of radioisotope energy systems (RPS) – the specialized nuclear batteries that power some of NASA’s most challenging missions in deep space.

The Power to Explore challenge encourages students to think about the harsh conditions on moons, where icy surfaces, prolonged darkness, and deep craters remain in perpetual shadow. With this context in mind, participants are asked to describe a mission destination, define their exploration objectives, and highlight how RPS technology would facilitate mission success in these extreme environments. Entries must be a maximum of 275 words and must also include a unique personal trait or “strength” that students believe would benefit their mission.

Exciting opportunities await young winners

According to Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, this competition offers young people a valuable opportunity to apply STEM skills as they devise ambitious missions that could uncover new scientific knowledge. Each grand prize winner from three different grades – K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 – will receive a trip to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. There they will meet NASA professionals and explore the advanced technologies that support space exploration. In addition, each participant will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to attend a virtual event with NASA experts.

Judges needed for the Nationwide Challenge

NASA, in partnership with Future Engineers, is calling for volunteer judges from across the United States. US residents 18 years or older are invited to help by spending approximately three hours reviewing entries. Interested volunteers can register on the Future Engineers website.
The Power to Explore Student Challenge is funded by the Radioisotope Power Systems Program Office of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and administered by Future Engineers through the NASA Tournament Lab.