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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 2)
While previous efforts within the agency have focused on the reduction of trash mass and volume, future efforts will need to focus on the recycling of existing and future generated waste. Recently developed waste prediction models estimated 6.43 kg/day will be generated by a small crew of four on a deep space exploration mission. As the frequency, duration, and scale of crewed missions increase, such estimates will begin to grow.
Future missions pose new challenges in effectively, and creatively, redirecting waste streams into useful end-usages. By utilizing open innovation strategies in this area, NASA can incentivize innovative solutions to the challenges of waste in both space and here at home, directly impacting the predicted 1,000,000 kg/day of waste generated by humans on earth by 2050.
In this Challenge, NASA 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 designs 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. On the long-term horizon, restructuring the approach to waste management will support the sustainable future of space travel and the revolutionization of waste treatment on Earth.
The LunaRecycle Challenge will have two competition tracks. Teams may compete in either or both competition tracks. Each track is expected to have two phases.
The Digital Twin Track focuses on designing a digital twin of a complete system for recycling one or more solid waste streams on the lunar surface and manufacturing one or more end products. Teams in this track must include the manufacturing of one or more finished end products in their design. Teams in the Digital Twin track will design a preliminary (low fidelity) digital twin and visualization of their solution. Teams will use a provided template to offer explanations, analyses, and data for their solution.
The Prototype Build Track focuses on designing and developing hardware components and systems for recycling one or more solid waste streams on the lunar surface. Teams in this track may (but are not required to) include the manufacturing of one or more end products in their design. Teams in this track may end their process with the production of one or more commodities, fuels, or feedstocks instead of one or more finished end products. Teams in the Prototype Build track will develop a detailed design of their solution. Teams are not required to build or submit any hardware in Phase 1. Teams will use a provided template to offer explanations, analyses, and data for their solution.
A judging panel will review the submissions and determine the Phase 1 winners for each track.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.