Science
NASA awards MIT team top prize in Phase 2 of LunaRecycle Challenge
An undergraduate and graduate student team from MIT received $775,000 for developing a system that processes mixed space trash into reusable manufacturing material.
The short version
- NASA awarded a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology the top prize in Phase 2 of the LunaRecycle Challenge, granting them $775,000 in total prize money.
- The winning CERBERUZ project processes mixed waste materials into a fine powder that can be repurposed for 3D-printing filament or injection molding during long-duration space missions.
- Fourteen finalist teams demonstrated recycling prototypes and virtual models during the competition finale held at The University of Alabama.
- Nine other teams received recognition and cash prizes across prototype and digital twin categories in the $3 million competition.
Key facts
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's CERBERUZ team won first prize in both the prototype and digital twin tracks of Phase 2 of NASA's LunaRecycle Challenge, earning $775,000.[NASA News]
- The CERBERUZ technology grinds mixed waste materials, including fabrics, plastics, foam, and metals, into powder to create feed for 3D printing and injection molding.[NASA News]
- Fourteen finalist teams demonstrated their prototypes at The University of Alabama Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering between Aug. 24 and Aug. 28.[NASA News]
- The LunaRecycle Challenge is a $3 million competition managed by NASA's Centennial Challenges program to develop waste-reduction solutions for lunar and deep space missions.[NASA News]
- Terasynth from Orlando, Florida, secured second place overall in the prototype track and won the people's choice award, earning $250,000 in total prizes.[NASA News]