The challenge seeks practical, innovative systems that transform solid waste—such as human feces, packaging materials, and used clothing—into usable resources for future space missions. The goal is to support sustainable living conditions on the Moon as NASA gears up for long-term lunar exploration under the Artemis program.

This competition focuses on two key tracks. The first is the Prototype Build Track, where participants must develop working hardware that can be used in lunar conditions to process and repurpose waste. The second is the Digital Twin Track, which invites innovators to create virtual models of fully functional recycling systems, showing how waste can be transformed into useful outputs like water, fuel, or fertilizer.

The challenge emphasizes not just the technical viability of these systems, but also their efficiency, safety, and compatibility with the harsh lunar environment. Waste management is a crucial hurdle in long-duration missions, and solving it could greatly enhance life support systems, reduce the need for cargo resupply, and enable a closed-loop habitat where astronauts reuse materials sustainably.

Beyond space, the innovations born from this challenge may find applications on Earth—particularly in remote areas or disaster zones—where efficient waste recycling could be revolutionary.

NASA has already closed submissions as of March 31, and the winners are expected to receive both financial rewards and further development support. The LunaRecycle Challenge showcases NASA’s commitment to open innovation and sustainable exploration as humanity prepares to go deeper into space.