The first stage of the "Space Cup: Mission LUNA" competition, organized by the Scientific and Technological Guild "Rubezhi Nauki" and ANO CRIT "IT-Planet" with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, has concluded in Russia. The competition, aimed at developing digital solutions for a future lunar base, has sparked unprecedented interest among young professionals from across the country.

The competition received 482 applications from students and young professionals aged 16 to 35. After a thorough selection process, 46 participants, united into 17 teams, reached the final. The geographical coverage is impressive: from the Far East (Khabarovsk, Vladivostok) to the European part of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg).

Top 5 most active regions:

1.      Tomsk - 78 applications

2.      Moscow - 57 applications

3.      Astrakhan - 56 applications

4.      St. Petersburg - 33 applications

5.      Chelyabinsk - 27 applications

Tasks of the competition

Participants will have to develop innovative web solutions for:

·         Planning the construction of a lunar base at the South Pole of the Moon

·         Optimal placement of infrastructure facilities

·         Resource management (including water ice)

·         Ensuring the safety and functionality of the base

Expert comments

Ilya Chekh, founder of the Guild "Rubezhi Nauki": "It is necessary to form a new generation of enthusiasts in Russia who are ready to work on the most complex tasks of lunar exploration. It is important for us to create a technological, scientific and social basis for humanity's entry into deep space."

Sergey Shalashny, Chairman of the Board of "IT-Planet": "The space industry is on the verge of a new era today. Lunar exploration requires non-standard solutions and talented IT specialists capable of creating innovative software."

Stages of the competition

1.      First stage (completed): selection of concepts

2.      Second stage: development of web solutions

3.      Final stage: presentation of projects to an expert jury

Awards

The winners will receive:

·         Cash prizes

·         Expert support for project development

·         Special awards for educational institutions and mentors

The competition is held within the framework of the International Olympiad "IT-Planet 2025", which emphasizes its importance for the development of digital technologies in the space industry.