NASA is propelling the future of sustainable space exploration through the second phase of its LunaRecycle Challenge. This competition, offering a $3 million prize pool, encourages U.S. individuals and teams to develop innovative recycling technologies essential for long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond. The initiative directly addresses the critical challenge of waste management in extended deep space missions, where accumulating materials like fabrics, plastics, foam, and metals pose significant logistical hurdles.
Phase 2 of the LunaRecycle Challenge is open to U.S. participants and features two rounds: a Milestone Round with submissions due by January 2026, followed by finalists announced in February 2026. These finalists will advance to the Final Round in August 2026 for physical prototype demonstrations. A total of $2 million in cash prizes is allocated for this phase. The challenge builds on the success of Phase 1, which saw over 1,200 registrations. Managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, with support from Kennedy Space Center and Ames Research Center, and in partnership with The University of Alabama, AI SpaceFactory, and Veolia, the LunaRecycle Challenge aims to transform waste into valuable resources, reducing reliance on Earth resupply missions and minimizing the environmental impact on celestial bodies. As Jennifer Edmunson, acting program manager for Centennial Challenges at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, stated, "NASA is eager to see how reimagining these materials can be helpful to potential future planetary surface missions." The competition not only drives technological advancements for the Artemis program and future deep space endeavors but also holds potential for terrestrial applications, promoting resourcefulness and sustainability on Earth.