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NASA is running the Lunar Loo Challenge to recruit ideas for toilets for use in a manned lunar landing expedition planned for 2024. With a $35,000 prize, the challenge is not only for adults but also for under 18 years of age.
It is known that special toilets are used at the International Space Station because ordinary toilets cannot be used in microgravity spaces. However, the moon exploration mission requires a smaller and more efficient system than the International Space Station because space is limited.
The requirement is that in a two-person 14-day mission, it must be able to discharge comfortably, both large and small, in microgravity space and a place that receives the lunar gravity, which is one sixth of the Earth. However, excretion should be assumed to respond to diarrhea, vomiting, and menstruation as well as large and small. NASA also encourages ideas that make astronauts more comfortable. For example, bonus points are awarded if you can eliminate the need to hit your head in the bathroom when you need to vomit. In addition, facilities that treat and accumulate excrement must not leak out of the contents even under microgravity, and odor measures are also required. It is also important that the structure is as simple as possible considering the time margin of design, development, and integration into spacecraft to meet the year 2024.
Other technical requirements are vast, so if you want to apply, you should read it first. The application deadline is August 17th. The winners are the general September 30th and the Junior October 20th. Related information can be found here .
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