{
  "id": 14018198,
  "title": "The moon could turn astronauts into 'walking, high voltage capacitors' that accidentally zap spacecraft",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/the-moon-could-turn-astronauts-into-walking-high-voltage-capacitors",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-12T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/the-moon-could-turn-astronauts-into-walking-high-voltage-capacitors-that-accidentally-zap-spacecraft"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA is seeking innovative solutions to prevent astronauts from inadvertently becoming high-voltage capacitors during moon missions. The agency has launched the Lunar Grounding Challenge, offering $150,000 for ideas that could stop static electricity from zapping astronauts or vital equipment. This concern arises because astronauts on the moon could become walking, high voltage capacitors due to tribocharging and plasma charging, which build up electric charge on spacesuits. When entering lunar shadows and permanently shadowed regions, astronauts' spacesuits could become electrically charged, with an excess of electrons compared to ions in these areas. The risk is exacerbated when the astronaut returns to the spacecraft, as the lander would have a slight positive charge, potentially creating an electrical arc that could damage spacesuits, spark fires, or cause electrical shocks. NASA is looking for a compact, lightweight, and durable solution that can operate in the extreme temperature fluctuations of the lunar surface and help up to four extravehicular activities (moonwalks) over a span of ten days. The technology must also avoid a sudden arc that may come into contact with the suit or the lander. The challenge will have multiple phases, including concept designs, refinement after reviewing feedback, and the final selection. While NASA did not specify a target date for the technology's availability, the agency is planning for a long-term lunar base for astronaut missions, likely ready for use in the 2030s if schedules are maintained.",
  "summary": "NASA is asking for ideas to stop static electricity from zapping astronauts or critical hardware during moon missions.",
  "key_points": [
    "NASA launches Lunar Grounding Challenge to prevent astronauts from becoming high-voltage capacitors",
    "Static electricity buildup on spacesuits could cause electrical arcs in lunar shadows",
    "Solution sought to be compact, lightweight, durable, and effective for up to four moonwalks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}