Mike Chaulk, P.Eng., participated as a judge on Aqualunar Challenge

Mike Chaulk, Manager of Process at CBCL Limited, was selected as a judge for the Canadian Space Agency’s Aqualunar Challenge, an initiative focused on developing innovative solutions for water purification on the Moon.

As the Canadian Space Agency prepares to return to the Moon, one of the key challenges is safely purifying water found in lunar regolith (soil) to support longer and more complex missions. If this water can be made safe for use, it could support food production, oxygen generation, and even rocket fuel creation through the separation of hydrogen and oxygen.

Launched in 2024, the Aqualunar Challenge follows a three-phase structure, beginning with Concept Design, progressing to Proof of Concept, and concluding with Prototype Scaling. The winning team will receive $400,000 CAD in grant funding to advance their solution.

Chaulk brings more than 20 years of experience in water and wastewater treatment projects at CBCL. His expertise includes drinking water supply and treatment, wastewater treatment, conceptual and process design, membrane technologies, and optimization of pilot and small-scale water systems. His work has helped lift boil water advisories in communities across Atlantic Canada and has supported the long-term sustainability of drinking water systems.

While Chaulk has worked on water projects throughout Canada, this marks his first opportunity to contribute his expertise beyond Earth by helping shape the future of water treatment on the Moon.