SourceNASA Challenge Tests Wheel Designs for Moon Base Mobility
Better wheel technology enables rovers to travel farther across the moon. This allows crews to conduct more science and build more infrastructure.
- Five finalist teams selected from 128 submissions across 49 countries tested custom wheel prototypes mounted on the 45-kg MicroChariot rover at Johnson Space Center on July 31, 2026.
- The Australian team of Daniel and Isaac Bloomfield won the challenge with their Scotch Pad Tyres concept using a Nomex structure over an aluminum hub with an epoxy-corundum grit tread.
- Other tested designs included the HTR Variable Flex Lunar Wheel, the Hiper Wheel by Hyperbola, the Huff Helo Flexible Titanium Wheel, and the Payne Aviation Wheel.
- The challenge was conducted by the Robotic Systems Technology Branch at Johnson, managed by NASA's Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, and administered by HeroX.