Astronaut Dr. Meganne Christian to lead Aqualunar Challenge UK judges

Dr. Meganne Christian, a reserve astronaut and scientist currently serving as the Exploration Commercialisation Lead at the UK Space Agency, is set to chair the exciting panel of judges who will be evaluating the lunar water extraction technologies entered to win the Aqualunar Challenge UK. 

The judges bring a wealth of expertise across space exploration, water science, and engineering, ensuring a rigorous and insightful assessment of the solutions submitted by innovator teams.

Also joining the panel is:

• Mike Curtis-Rouse, the Head of In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) at the Satellite Applications Catapult and is a leader in advancing commercial space exploration.
• Paula Mills, an expert in lunar mission planning and In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU). Her specialisation in spacesuit engineering and her involvement in the NASA SSERVI panel adds valuable insights for the Challenge.
• Professor Mahesh Anand, a leading figure in planetary science and exploration at The Open University, has also agreed to join as a judge. His research on the Moon, mars, and asteroids, with a particular focus on lunar water, provides crucial expertise in water extraction methods.
• Professor Vanessa Speight, professor of Integrated Water Systems at the University of Sheffield, and an expert in water treatment, storage, and distribution.
• Paul O’Callaghan – the CEO of BlueTech Research and a water scientist, sustainability thought leader, and documentary film producer. 

With diverse backgrounds and varying expertise, the Aqualunar Challenge UK welcomes the judges with confidence that the competition entries will receive thorough and insightful evaluation. 

We are excited to see the solutions and their evolution through the Challenge and their contribution to the future of sustainable water exploration on the Moon.

Need help with your application? One on one and webinar support has been launched for applicants and finalists here.

Further updates on the Aqualunar Challenge UK, including details on how to apply can be found on the challenge website.

Image Credit: Sebastiaan ter Burg from Utrecht, The Netherlands –CC BY 2.0