In 2015, NASA issued a challenge to produce a 3D-printed habitat suitable for conditions on the Moon, Mars or areas beyond, and teams delivered for a chance at a $100,000 pot.
The challenge began in 2015 with NASA testing the teams’ aptitude in areas such as 3D-printing, material development and construction.
“The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is a competition to create sustainable shelters suitable for the Moon, Mars or beyond using resources available on-site in these locations,” said NASA.
“In addition to aiding human space exploration, technologies sought from this competition could also lead to lower-cost housing solutions on Earth and other benefits.”
After four years and three phases of designing their habitat, the winners have almost been determined with the completion of their latest design – complete virtual construction.
Of the eleven teams, SEArch+/Apir Cor from New York, Zopherus from Arkansas and Mars Incubator from Connecticut were the top three teams.
The final $800,000 prize purse will be awarded at the beginning of May in a head-to-head subscale structure print.
Click on these links to see how some of these competitors structured their habitats: SEArch+/Apir Cor (first), Zopherus (second) and Mars Incubator (third).
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