Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques joins Aqualunar judging panel
April 5, 2024
David Saint-Jacques, Canadian Space Agency astronaut, engineer, astrophysicist and physician is joining the exciting panel of judges who will be evaluating the lunar water purification technologies entered to win the Aqualunar Challenge UK.
Also joining the previously announced judges is Marie Nicod, Investment Director at Expansion Ventures, a pan European private venture capital company dedicated to Europe’s rising New Space and New Air Mobility sectors.
David Saint-Jacques and Marie Nicod join an experienced panel of judges:
- Dr. Meganne Christian, a reserve astronaut and scientist currently serving as the Exploration Commercialisation Lead at the UK Space Agency, is chairing the exciting panel of judges
- 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.
Applications to the Aqualunar Challenge close very soon at 3pm BST on Monday 8th April. The judges will select up to 10 finalists who will receive a £30,000 grant to develop and test their technology.
