Students to design tools for moon rovers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency is asking college students to design tools or instrument packages that could be used on the next generation of human-driven moon rovers.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration says the students will have the opportunity to engage in NASA's return to the moon by designing equipment that will help astronauts accomplish tasks on the lunar surface.

The competition is open to full-time students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institution such as universities, colleges, trade schools, community colleges and professional schools in the United States or its territories. Individuals or teams may apply and interdisciplinary teams from across departments and institutions are encouraged.

NASA said it plans to invite competition winners to the next set of lunar technology mission tests planned for the summer or fall of 2009. Paid internships also are planned as student awards.

To participate, students must submit a notice of intent to NASA by Dec. 15, with final papers due May 15. Specific details, including submission requirements, are available at http://moontasks.larc.nasa.gov.