), launch windows to Mars occur when Earth and Mars are closest to each other in their orbits . A round trip will take anywhere from a year to 18 months during these periods, which works out to a total mission duration of two to three years. Aside from food, water, and air, there’s the matter of all the waste that a long-duration mission will generate .
Given the logistics and sheer cost of sending resupply missions to locations in deep space, missions to Mars will need to be as self-sufficient as possible. While solutions exist for providing a steady supply of food, water, and air, waste is a cumulative problem with no sustainable solutions. The Waste to Base Materials Challenge is looking for ways to convert human waste, packaging, and assorted trash into things astronauts can use for the mission.
“This is exactly what our crowd is poised to do: solve intractable problems with an eye for efficiency and sustainability,” said HeroX President & CEO Kal K. Sahota. “I am eager to see the submissions.” All submissions will be evaluated based on four specific categories:Multiple winners will be selected for each category, each of which will be awarded a prize of $1,000. The judges will also recognize four ideas as “best in class,” which will also be awarded a prize of $1000.
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