NASA opens next round in Moon recycling challenge
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 13, 2025
NASA has launched Phase 2 of its LunaRecycle Challenge, inviting U.S. innovators to create systems for recycling trash generated during deep space missions. The goal is to convert materials such as fabrics, plastics, foam, and metals into useful resources for lunar surface operations.
This phase features a milestone round, with submissions due January 2026, followed by the announcement of up to 20 finalists in February. These teams will compete in in-person prototype demonstrations and final judging in August. NASA has allocated $2 million in cash prizes for both rounds.
“NASA is eager to see how reimagining these materials can be helpful to potential future planetary surface missions,” said Jennifer Edmunson, acting program manager for Centennial Challenges at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. “I’m confident focusing on the most critical trash items – and integration of the prototype and digital twin competition tracks – will yield remarkable solutions that could enable a sustainable human presence off-Earth and transform the future of space exploration.”
NASA estimates a crew of four could produce more than 2,100 kilograms (4,600 pounds) of single-use waste in a year. Proposed solutions must handle realistic waste volumes, reduce resource use and crew time, and operate safely with minimal hazards.
Phase 2 is open to U.S. individuals and teams, including those who did not join Phase 1. All competitors must produce a working prototype, and may also submit a digital twin for additional awards.
Phase 1 of LunaRecycle drew record participation, with over 1,200 registrations from five countries and nine U.S. states. Nearly 200 submissions were judged by 50 experts, and 17 teams were named winners in a NASA Marshall livestream.
LunaRecycle is managed at NASA Marshall, with expertise from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Ames Research Center. The challenge is run in partnership with The University of Alabama College of Engineering, former Centennial Challenge winner AI SpaceFactory, and sustainability company Veolia.
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