The LunaRecycle Challenge is a competition that invites teams to design and develop innovative recycling solutions for lunar missions, with the goal of reducing solid waste and improving sustainability on the Moon. This two-phase challenge, with a total prize pool of $3 million, is administered by The University of Alabama as part of NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program. As NASA plans for future human missions to the Moon, sustainability in waste management becomes a key consideration, and this challenge focuses on creating systems to recycle solid waste on lunar surfaces, minimizing the need to return waste to Earth.

The challenge is divided into two tracks: the Digital Twin Track and the Prototype Build Track. The Digital Twin Track involves the creation of a digital twin of a complete recycling system, which can simulate and optimize the recycling of waste in a lunar environment. The Prototype Build Track is focused on the development of physical hardware systems for recycling solid waste on the Moon, which may include manufacturing products from recycled materials. Teams may compete in one or both tracks, and the challenge encourages solutions that are scalable to both space environments and terrestrial applications.

The primary purpose of this challenge is to support NASA's long-term goals for space exploration, specifically regarding waste management in space habitats. It also aims to foster innovative solutions that could be adapted for use on Earth, contributing to sustainability by improving recycling methods and reducing harmful outputs. By addressing challenges related to waste recycling in space, the competition hopes to drive advancements that can be used in communities worldwide.

The competition is open to various types of teams, and registration for participation is currently open. Teams are required to submit a completed Team Agreement (December 2024 version) to become officially registered. The final submission for the challenge is due by March 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Teams must comply with the detailed rules and templates provided for each track, which are available through the competition website. The University of Alabama handles all inquiries related to the challenge, and teams are encouraged to reach out to lunarecycle@ua.edu for any questions not covered in the FAQs or rules.

This challenge not only offers the potential for significant rewards but also provides an opportunity to contribute to the future of space exploration and sustainability on Earth. The primary aim of the LunaRecycle Challenge is to encourage creative, cutting-edge solutions to space waste management that can have lasting impacts both in space missions and on Earth. With the final submission deadline in March 2025, teams are urged to begin planning and registering early.