NASA is offering a $3 million reward to individuals who can solve a critical challenge in space: waste management for long-term lunar missions. As NASA prepares for the first crewed moon landing in over 50 years, set for September 2026, they seek innovative approaches to processing different types of waste, including old clothing and food packaging, to enhance sustainability on the moon.

The LunaRecycle Challenge, a two-phase competition, invites global participants to propose new methods for minimizing and recycling waste in space environments. Amy Kaminski, program executive for NASA’s Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program, emphasizes the importance of operating sustainably both in space and on Earth.

Kim Krome, challenge manager and acting program manager for NASA's Centennial Challenges, expressed excitement for the potential solutions that could advance technology in advanced manufacturing and habitats. NASA’s commitment to sustainable space exploration aims to ensure minimal waste returns to Earth.

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