NASA moon mission challenge; chance to win Rs 25 crore! read for details

Solutions developed through the LunarCycle challenge not only enhance the sustainability of lunar missions but also hold the potential to revolutionize waste management practices here on Earth. (News18 Kannada)

As NASA plans a crewed lunar landing in September 2026, the agency invites participants worldwide to design and develop hardware systems for solid waste reuse on the lunar surface, offering the chance to win substantial prize money.

Programme to Address Waste Management

NASA is eager to address a significant challenge in its upcoming lunar missions. As part of its LunaRecycle Challenge, the agency will award approximately Rs 25 crore to individuals or teams who develop effective recycling solutions for waste generated during long-duration missions to the Moon.

With a crewed lunar landing planned for September 2026, it will mark the first time in 50 years that astronauts will set foot on the Moon. NASA aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. This mission will not only see humans walking on the moon again but will also highlight the importance of sustainability in space exploration.

As astronauts prepare for longer stays on the Moon, effective waste management becomes critical. Historical missions, such as the Apollo program, left behind 96 bags of human waste and other debris on the lunar surface.

With NASA’s goal of extended missions, managing inorganic waste such as food packaging, discarded clothing, and scientific materials will become increasingly important.

Amy Kaminski, program executive for NASA’s Prizes, Challenges and Crowdsourcing Program, stated that sustainability is a key consideration for NASA as they conduct research from Earth to the Moon. She added, “With this challenge, we are looking for public innovative approaches to waste management on the Moon and aim to bring lessons learned back to Earth for the benefit of all.”

Structure of the Competition

The LunaRecycle Challenge consists of two tracks:

Prototype Build Track: This track invites participants to design and develop hardware systems for solid waste reuse on the lunar surface.

Digital Twin Track: In this track, contestants are tasked with creating a virtual replica of a complete recycling system on the lunar surface, focusing on the manufacturing of end products.

Participants can register for either or both tracks, with prize money allocated to each category. These two tracks aim to increase accessibility to the challenge and promote innovative solutions to complex waste management problems.

Kim Crome, Acting Program Manager for NASA’s Centennial Challenges, expressed excitement for the initiative. She stated that NASA’s LunaRecycle challenge will contribute to addressing technological needs in advanced manufacturing and habitats.

“We are very excited to see what solutions our global competitors create, and we look forward to this challenge acting as a positive catalyst to bring the agency and humanity closer together to explore our own world,” she added.

Solutions developed through the LunaRecycle Challenge not only enhance the sustainability of lunar missions but also hold the potential to revolutionize waste management practices here on Earth.

Tags: NASA Astronauts, NASA Lunar Probe First Published: October 18, 2024, 18:13 IST Last Updated: October 18, 2024, 18:13 IST