NASA has officially launched the LunaRecycle Challenge, which aims to promote innovative recycling solutions for deep space missions, offering a total of $3 million in prizes.

This initiative is designed to support long-duration human space travel and establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, particularly through the Artemis missions.

The challenge specifically addresses critical aerospace technical challenges, including waste management and in-space manufacturing.

Key technological needs highlighted by the challenge include logistics tracking, manufacturing from recycled materials, and effective trash management.

Innovative technologies are sought for recycling inorganic waste, such as food packaging, discarded clothing, and materials from scientific experiments.

Participants can choose between two competition tracks: a Prototype Build track focused on hardware systems and a Digital Twin track for virtual system design.

Participation in either or both tracks is encouraged, with each track offering its own share of the prize money.

Interested participants can register for the LunaRecycle Challenge at the designated website.

The University of Alabama has been contracted as an allied partner to help coordinate the challenge, alongside former Centennial Challenge winner AI Spacefactory.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is leading the challenge, with additional support from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama.

In July 2024, NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate released a ranked list of 187 technology areas to guide future exploration and mission needs.