‘Garbage on Moon’: NASA is seeking new ideas to recycle waste on lunar surface during future human missions
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
LunaRecycle Initiative Launched
NASA has introduced the LunaRecycle initiative under its Centennial Challenges Program to develop sustainable waste management solutions for future moon missions. The initiative targets recycling on the lunar surface and inside pressurized lunar habitats.
Waste Management Goals
The program aims to minimize solid waste streams during long-duration lunar missions under the Artemis Program. The goal is to enhance the sustainability of space exploration by reducing waste that needs to be returned to Earth.
Contract Opportunity Details
According to the Phase 1 contract opportunity, NASA is looking for ways to store, process, and recycle waste in space, ensuring minimal waste is left on the moon. This will be crucial as NASA prepares for future human space missions.
Historical Context
Previous crewed moon missions left various items on the lunar surface, from scientific experiments to human waste. With numerous missions planned, some scientists suggest that humanity is entering a new “lunar anthropocene,” impacting the moon’s environment.
Environmental Impact
NASA’s LunaRecycle program seeks to mitigate the impact astronauts have on the moon. Long-term lunar presence requires significant cargo from Earth, necessitating effective recycling and reuse processes to minimize environmental disturbance.
Current Waste Statistics
In the U.S., over 50 percent of municipal solid waste is composed of paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, textiles, and glass, with only 40 percent being recycled. NASA aims to address this recycling shortfall through the LunaRecycle initiative.
Focus Areas of the Challenge
The challenge encourages novel recycling approaches, improved energy and water efficiency, and reduced toxic emissions. It also seeks smaller-scale solutions suitable for deployment in communities.
Competition Tracks
LunaRecycle will feature two tracks: a “digital twin” track for designing virtual recycling systems and a prototype build track for developing actual recycling hardware. Both tracks aim to create end products from recycled lunar materials.
Challenge Phases and Funding
The competition will have two phases, starting with technical proposals reviewed by judges. Phase 2 will follow if viable solutions emerge from Phase 1. The total funding is $3 million, with $1 million for Phase 1 and $2 million for Phase 2. Phase 1 registration begins in September, with submissions due by March 31, 2025. Winners and Phase 2 rules will be announced in May 2025.