Turning lunar trash into treasure: NASA launches $3 million recycling challenge
The idea of a permanent human presence on the moon no longer seems so far away. However, NASA still faces a number of challenges. In addition to energy supply and habitat preservation, the issue of waste disposal also plays a role.
NASA is seeking innovative solutions for the efficient recycling of inorganic waste, including food packaging, clothing, and materials used in scientific experiments. The LunaRecycle Challenge invites inventors to compete for a total prize pool of 3 million US dollars.
The competition is aimed at innovators who develop energy-efficient, lightweight and sustainable technologies that can turn waste on the moon into useful products.
Two categories, up to 8 winners per category
NASA is interested in both hardware and software. Accordingly, the competition is divided into two categories:
- Prototype Build Track: Developing hardware components that can recycle waste on the lunar surface.
- Digital Twin Track: Creation of virtual models that simulate a waste system on the lunar surface.
Prizes will be awarded in two phases, with up to one million US dollars distributed in phase one and two million US dollars in phase two. In each phase, up to eight winners can be selected, with prize amounts of 50,000 US dollars for the Digital Twin Track and 75,000 US dollars for the Prototype Build Track.
Those who wish to participate in the NASA competition have until March 31, 2025 at 4 p.m. (EDT) to register via this registration form and submit all required materials.
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