NASA has announced the LunaRecycle Challenge, a global competition offering a $3 million prize for innovative solutions for space toilet problem to recycle human waste in space. This initiative aims to develop technologies that can efficiently process astronauts’ feces and urine during extended missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The challenge underscores NASA’s commitment to sustainable space exploration. As the agency prepares for future human space missions, it seeks to minimize various waste streams, including solid waste, by developing systems that can store, process, and recycle waste in space environments, reducing the need to return waste to Earth.
Currently, remnants of human waste from past missions, such as the 96 bags left on the Moon by Apollo 11 astronauts in 1969, highlight the need for improved waste management solutions. The LunaRecycle Challenge aims to address this by encouraging the development of systems that can handle waste more effectively, ensuring that future missions leave minimal environmental impact on celestial bodies.
The competition is structured in two phases, focusing on the design and development of recycling solutions. NASA is currently reviewing the first round of proposals for the toilet problem, with selected innovators expected to be announced in May 2025. The winning technology will be considered for implementation in upcoming missions, including those under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
This challenge builds upon previous NASA initiatives, such as the 2016 Space Poop Challenge, which sought designs for waste management systems within spacesuits. The top award of $15,000 was granted to Dr. Thatcher Cardon for his innovative design.
Innovators worldwide are encouraged to participate in the LunaRecycle Challenge, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in space exploration. By addressing the critical issue of waste management, NASA aims to ensure the health and safety of astronauts while preserving the integrity of extraterrestrial environments.
