NASA Seeks Solutions for Space's Messiest Problem: The Poop Dilemma

Traveling through space isn't just about admiring stars and conducting scientific experiments; it involves dealing with bodily waste too, particularly human excrement. To address this issue, NASA is seeking assistance in converting astronaut waste into valuable resources. This initiative aims to ensure that upcoming missions do not contribute further to the accumulation of waste materials, which currently include numerous bags of refuse left on the moon from past lunar expeditions.

The LunaRecycle Challenge , a $3 million, dual-path, two-stage competition, represents NASA’s newest initiative to enhance environmentally friendly practices in space exploration. As the agency looks ahead, longer-term lunar missions , they’re facing a very down-to-Earth problem: how to recycle solid waste, from wrappers to bodily matter, in a way that supports life on the Moon by not returning waste to Earth.

It's true, there are currently bags of human waste, including poop, on the Moon. Specifically, the Apollo missions left behind 96 bags of waste to lighten the spacecraft for returning to Earth.

“NASA is committed to sustainable space exploration,” the agency said in a release, and that looks like figuring out how to minimize, process, and reuse all kinds of waste—including the gross stuff. The challenge asks teams to submit designs that convert trash into something useful, like building materials Or scientific instruments, while utilizing minimal electricity, water, and space.

The LunaRecycle Challenge consists of two distinct categories. In the Prototype Build category, participants concentrate on developing physical hardware for real-world lunar recycling systems. Conversely, the Digital Twin category aims at advanced digital simulations of these recycling solutions. Each pathway strives to convert solid waste into raw material suitable for producing new substances. astronauts It can be utilized for scientific purposes, repairs, or even as living quarters.

Although this challenge focuses on addressing a particular issue related to the moon, NASA suggests that the solutions might have far-reaching effects on Earth as well. The space agency believes that the outcomes could lead to more efficient recycling techniques and smaller-scale systems suitable for isolated areas here on Earth, ultimately fostering innovative methods of waste disposal globally.

Phase 1 has commenced, and though an announcement for Phase 2's schedule has not yet been made, it will entail entries being evaluated by a distinguished group of judges hailing from governmental bodies, private enterprises, and educational institutions. Contestants won't receive initial financial support; however, should their concepts prove viable, they stand to gain substantial rewards.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM