7-20-2016
NASA awarded a $1.24 million grant to the WEX Foundation in San Antonio to support an educational and research initiative aimed at preparing for future human colonization of the Moon. The program, developed in partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio’s SA PREP, allows underserved middle and high school students to design and test technologies relevant to lunar exploration. Through the Lunar Caves Analog Test Sites (LCATS), students simulate Moon-like conditions using local caves and conduct experiments involving remote sensing, robotics, and architectural design—skills directly tied to building sustainable habitats on the lunar surface.
The initiative not only advances research into potential lunar settlements—particularly in lava tube caves that could shield humans from radiation—but also serves as a workforce development pipeline in STEM fields. Students progress through multi-year phases, beginning with environmental sensing and advancing to robotics and habitat design, gaining real-world scientific experience along the way. By investing in programs like LCATS, NASA is both fostering innovation for future space missions and cultivating a diverse, skilled generation that could eventually contribute to building and living in lunar colonies.