NASA Launches $3 Million LunaRecycle Challenge to Tackle Moon Waste Left by Astronauts

JAKARTA – US space agency, NASA create a competition called LunaRecycle Challenge with a prize of USD 3 million or IDR 46.7 billion to overcome the problem rubbish and human waste on the Moon. It is hoped that this competition will reveal new innovations and practical solutions for waste recycling for the sustainability of space missions.

On the Moon, there are 96 bags of human waste left by astronauts. On the way to the moon, the Apollo astronauts collected their feces and urine. These bags, along with trash and other debris, were dropped to the lunar surface to free up heavy space for lunar samples.

In addition to human waste, inorganic waste left on the Moon is science equipment, clothing and food packaging. In the long run this will be a problem.

“With this challenge, we are looking for innovative approaches to waste management on the Moon and we aim to bring the lessons learned back to Earth for the benefit of all,” said Amy Kaminski, senior program officer of NASA’s Rewards, Challenges and Population program as reported by IFL Science, Thursday (17/10/2024).

“Working sustainably is an important issue for NASA as we make discoveries and conduct research far from home and on Earth.”

The competition to find practical solutions for dealing with space debris will be divided into two parts. First, the Prototype Build Track focuses on the design and development of components and hardware systems to recycle one or more waste streams on the lunar surface. Then the Digital Twin Track focuses on designing a virtual replica of the complete system to recycle the solid waste stream on the lunar surface and make the final product.

Teams, who can register for the challenge here, can compete on either or both tracks, with prize money split between the two schemes.

“NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge will contribute to solutions related to technology needs in advanced manufacturing and habitats,” said Kim Krome, interim program manager for NASA’s Centennial Challenge, and LunaRecycle challenge manager.

“We are excited to see what solutions our global competitors come up with, and we hope that this challenge can be a positive tool to bring the organization and humanity closer to being exploring the world outside our own,” he said.

(msf)