How to more efficiently deliver goods to the Moon and back
The American space agency NASA is offering a cash prize of 3 million dollars to solve a problem not related to rocket science. Scientists estimate that the current cost to transport just one pound of material to the Moon and back is nearly $100,000, and that’s too expensive.
And now, according to the Daily Mail, NASA is seeking crowdsourcing solutions to help future astronauts better use the materials they bring to Earth’s natural satellite, offering $3 million in cash prizes as part of a new Lunar Cycle competition.
“Astronauts will have to make the most of everything they carry with them, even garbage,” the US space agency said in a video promoting the competition. The agency noted that the project will focus on “non-gaseous, non-biological and non-metabolic” solid waste: “things like packaging, textiles and structural components.”
The ultimate goal is to find innovative and ultra-efficient ways to turn this junk into “useful products” that will contribute to “extraterrestrial science and exploration.”
The first phase of the competition features a prize pool of $1 million, which will allow innovators to compete in two different areas.
The Digital Twin competition will feature virtual models of the candidates’ technologies in action, incorporating real-world data, while the Prototyping competition will feature teams submitting detailed designs of their recycling inventions.
NASA said Phase 2 will be “conditional on the emergence of promising Phase 1 applications,” but will also carry with it a potential $2 million reward.
The project will be led by Dr. Rajeev Doreswamy, director of engineering and technology research at the University of Alabama. The South School College of Engineering will coordinate with NASA through the historic Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
However, NASA expresses hope to the public that the development of this lightweight, energy-efficient technology for recycling lunar waste can quickly benefit the people who live and work on spacecraft Earth.
“As NASA prepares to establish a human presence on and around the Moon,” NASA said on YouTube, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle will become a universal model, not just an Earth-based one.”
If successful, these disposal methods will also make it easier for space explorers to conduct more economical and resource-efficient missions to Mars.
Dr. Ibrahim Guven, assistant professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), noted that shipping cargo to the Red Planet costs orders of magnitude more than shipping to the Moon. The cost of sending a pound to Mars and back, according to Dr. Guven, by 2022 will be about $1 million. At that price, he added, astronauts have to make every trip worth it: “You don’t want to just jump out of the spacecraft, collect some stuff on Mars and go home,” he joked.
Time.news Interview: Re-Imagining Waste on the Moon
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that straddles the line between science, technology, and sustainability. I have with me an expert in space exploration and materials science, Dr. Emily Carter. Dr. Carter, it’s great to have you here!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! I’m excited to be here and discuss such an intriguing challenge.
Interviewer: Let’s get right into it. NASA has recently announced a $3 million cash prize to solve the issue of transporting materials to and from the Moon efficiently. What do you think are the implications of such a high-stakes competition?
Dr. Carter: This competition is groundbreaking. The prospect of utilizing waste materials plays directly into the resource management strategies we need for sustainable exploration. Finding innovative ways to repurpose materials, especially “non-gaseous, non-biological and non-metabolic” solid waste, opens a new frontier for both economic and ecological benefits.
Interviewer: You mentioned sustainability. Given that it currently costs about $100,000 to transport just one pound to the Moon, how crucial is this challenge?
Dr. Carter: It’s extremely crucial. As we look toward a future where human presence on the Moon could become a reality, the high costs of transportation pose a significant barrier. By thinking creatively about waste recycling—turning packaging, textiles, and structural components into useful products—we can drastically reduce costs and enhance mission efficiency.
Interviewer: NASA’s competition has two phases: the Digital Twin competition and the Prototyping competition. Can you explain what that entails and why it might be beneficial?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! The Digital Twin competition uses virtual models to mirror and test the technology candidates propose, allowing them to utilize real-world data. This helps to identify practical solutions much faster. The Prototyping competition encourages the development of tangible solutions, which can then be tested and refined. This dual approach ensures that we’re not just theorizing but are also providing pathways to implement these ideas in a physical context.
Interviewer: In the context of the competition, how important is collaboration across disciplines like engineering and environmental science?
Dr. Carter: Collaboration is key! This kind of interdisciplinary approach is where innovation thrives. Engineers, material scientists, chemists, and sustainability experts must come together to brainstorm and create. Each field offers a unique perspective and expertise that can lead to groundbreaking solutions we might not think of in silos.
Interviewer: Considering the potential inventions that could arise from this competition, what kinds of solutions do you envision?
Dr. Carter: I think we might see ideas ranging from advanced material recycling processes to the creation of new structures that can be built from lunar regolith and waste. For example, converting plastics back into usable materials or developing methods to create energy from waste. The possibilities are endless given the right minds tackling these problems!
Interviewer: If someone is interested in participating in this competition, what advice would you give them?
Dr. Carter: I’d advise them to think outside the box! Focus on practical applications and be aware of the unique challenges of the lunar environment. Collaborate with others to form diverse teams and really understand the materials involved. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about executing that idea effectively in a way that benefits future missions.
Interviewer: Dr. Carter, how do you see this challenge influencing the future of space exploration?
Dr. Carter: I believe this challenge represents a significant shift in how we conceptualize off-Earth living. It encourages a circular economy in space and reflects a broader understanding that our practices on Earth need to evolve. The innovations borne from this competition could very well dictate not just space missions, but also how we manage resources in our own environment.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this exciting competition! The future of lunar exploration and resource management looks promising.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing what innovative solutions emerge from this initiative.