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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
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.
Phase 2 of the LunaRecycle Challenge will have a single competition track. All teams must build a physical prototype. Teams have an option of also submitting a digital twin of their prototype for additional awards in the Milestone Round and Final Round. Phase 2 is open to teams from the United States only.
Teams are expected to focus on three main areas within the scope of their solution, beginning with pre-processing techniques such as shredding or melting. These processes must be integrated into the design of the prototype solution, ensuring they are a fundamental component of the overall approach. While demonstrating pre-processing during the Final Round is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The solution must result in one or more usable recycling outputs, which can either be a feedstock suitable for additive manufacturing or other industrial processes, or an end product with clearly defined utility. To ensure the quality and viability of the outputs, teams are required to characterize and verify any produced feedstock and clearly define and justify the usefulness of any end product included in their solution.
The structure of Phase 2 features a dual round evaluation. The first of these is the Milestone Round during which teams will submit a preliminary design for their prototype plus an optional preliminary digital twin design. At this midpoint review, up to 20 teams will be down selected to move on to the last stage of the competition.
The Final Round of the LunaRecycle competition includes a live demonstration and the final judging step. The top 20 teams from the Milestone Round will be invited to participate. Teams are required to submit a final design for their prototype plus the optional digital twin component. Teams must demonstrate their prototype hardware and the digital twin if they choose to include that in their submission.
1. Increased in-space sustainability
2. Potential to increase terrestrial sustainability
3. New in-situ resource utilization capabilities using space waste
4. Establishment of a circular economy in space
5. Decreased mass on launches
6. Expanded pool of potential partners/contracts through discovery of successful teams
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.
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