The $3 Million Challenge: Can You Solve the Moon Poop Problem?

NASA is on the hunt for innovative thinkers and problem solvers to tackle a unique and pressing issue – space waste! They're offering a staggering $3 million prize to anyone who can devise a solution for managing human waste on the Moon.

This initiative, known as the LunaRecycle Challenge, seeks to address the disposal of not only the feces, urine, and vomit of astronauts during long missions, but also to deal with the 96 bags of waste left behind by Apollo missions. It's a vital step toward sustainable lunar living as NASA looks to create permanent outposts on the Moon.

Did you know that one of the first photos captured on the lunar surface in 1969 by Neil Armstrong shows a discarded trash bag? It’s believed that this bag possibly contained human waste! It's a stark reminder of the challenges that come with human expansion into space.

As the deadline for the initial phase of submissions recently passed on March 3, NASA is now reviewing proposals that could pave the way for groundbreaking technologies. The agency emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste and exploring new ways to store, process, and recycle waste in space — aiming for a future where little to no waste returns to Earth.

But it’s not just about space! The solutions developed could also lead to innovative recycling methods here on our planet. NASA envisions new technologies that could improve efficiency and reduce harmful outputs, benefiting communities worldwide.

Stay tuned! NASA will soon release more details about the next phase of the LunaRecycle Challenge, including the timeline for announcing winners. Will you be the one to clean up the Moon?