A new NASA Deep Space Food Challenge seeking concepts for food systems that could be used on the surface of Mars and the Moon
Astronauts on extended missions to the surface of Mars and the Moon will require food systems that are completely independent of Earth. To address this, NASA is running the new Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table. This global competition asks participants to create a complete meal plan for a crew on Mars, along with concepts for food systems that use a variety of food sources and technologies to meet a crew’s nutritional needs. The challenge will officially conclude in September 2026 and has a total prize purse of $750,000.
Learn More and Apply about About the Challenge
CHALLENGE LEAD CENTER
Kennedy Space Center
Registration DEADLINe
July 31, 2026
Eligibility
Global citizens
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Resources & Information
Deep Space Food Challenge (2021-2024)
This challenge sought to generate novel food production technologies or systems requiring minimal resources and produce minimal waste, while providing safe, nutritious, and tasty food for long-duration human exploration missions.
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Challenge
Jennifer Edmunson (Acting Program Manager)
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
hq-stmd-centennialchallenges@mail.nasa.gov
Media Inquiries
Joel Wallace
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
joel.w.wallace@nasa.gov
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