The idea of a permanent human presence on the moon no longer seems so distant. 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 to efficiently recycle inorganic waste, including food packaging, clothing and materials used in scientific experiments. The LunaRecycle Challenge https://lunarecyclechallenge.ua.edu/#project invites inventors to compete for a total prize pool of US$3 million.
The competition is aimed at innovators who develop sustainable, lightweight and low-energy technologies capable of transforming waste on the moon into useful products.
Two categories, up to 8 winners per category
NASA is interested in both hardware and software. The competition is therefore divided into two categories:
- Prototype Build Track : Development of hardware components capable of recycling waste on the lunar surface.
- Digital twins track: Creation of virtual models simulating a waste treatment system on the lunar surface.
Prizes will be awarded in two phases, with a maximum of one million US dollars distributed in the first phase and two million US dollars in the second phase. In each phase, up to eight winners can be selected, with prizes of US$50,000 for the Digital Twin Track and US$75,000 for the Prototype Build Track.
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