NASA is offering a £2.3 million prize to anyone who can help solve a persistent problem for astronauts: how to manage waste in space.
The LunaRecycle Challenge, now open for participation, aims to enhance the sustainability of long-term space missions by finding solutions for dealing with various types of waste, such as food packaging and worn-out clothing.
Amy Kaminski from NASA explained the importance of the challenge, saying, “Operating sustainably is a key consideration for NASA as we make discoveries and conduct research both in space and on Earth.
With this challenge, we’re looking for innovative approaches to waste management on the Moon and hope to apply the lessons learned back here on Earth for everyone’s benefit.”
The LunaRecycle Challenge consists of two competition tracks: the prototype build track and the digital twin track.
The prototype build track focuses on the design and development of hardware and systems that can recycle one or more types of solid waste on the lunar surface.
In contrast, the digital twin track involves creating a virtual replica of a complete recycling system for solid waste on the Moon, which can also be used to produce end products.
Participants can enter either or both tracks, with each offering its own share of the prize money.
Kim Krome, the challenge manager at NASA, expressed excitement about the initiative, saying, “NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge will contribute to addressing technological needs in advanced manufacturing and habitats.
We’re excited to see the innovative solutions our global competitors come up with, and we hope this challenge will serve as a positive step toward bringing humanity closer to worlds beyond our own.”
NASA reiterated its commitment to sustainability, stating that as future human space missions are prepared, waste management must be considered.
The agency emphasized the need to minimize waste, as well as to develop methods for storing, processing, and recycling it in space so that little or no waste would need to be brought back to Earth.
