As NASA prepares for future human space missions, sustainability will be critical. The LunaRecycle Challenge asks innovators to consider how various solid waste streams can be processed and recycled in a space environment so that little or no waste will need to be returned to Earth.
The challenge also hopes to inspire better approaches and outcomes for terrestrial recycling—through entirely novel approaches, processes that improve efficiency and reduce toxic outputs, and smaller-scale technologies that could be deployed in communities around the globe.
The LunaRecycle Challenge is a two-track public competition that seeks recycling solutions for the lunar surface that maximize the amount of waste that can be recycled from a list of waste categories and items that are relevant to a hypothetical 365-day lunar mission. In order to participate, please fill out the Expression of Interest form below.
The LunaRecycle Challenge is a two-track public competition that seeks recycling solutions for the lunar surface that maximize the amount of waste that can be recycled from a list of waste categories and items that are relevant to a hypothetical 365-day lunar mission. NASA is seeking hardware designs (for the Prototype Build track) and digital twin designs (for the Digital Twin track) that minimize resource inputs; unusable outputs; and the mass and/or volume of hardware components and systems needed for recycling. For the Digital Twin track, NASA is also seeking highly innovative and imaginative solutions that harness the full potential of a digital twin.
Awards:- The LunaRecycle Challenge will have a total prize purse of up to $3 million, including a total of up to $1 million available during Phase 1. Prizes are expected to be distributed as summarized in the below tables.
Deadline:- 31-03-2025
