HOUSTON – NASA has set up a challenge for competitors: Create a hands-free spacesuit that astronauts can defecate into for long periods of time.
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration is seeking future solutions for urine, fecal and menstrual controlling systems to be used for suited astronauts during crews’ launch.
The system must work continuously for 144 hours to protect the safety and health of crew members.
NASA will judge and award the solutions that are the most promising and use them for missions in the next three to four years. The winner will receive a prize of $30,000.
Those who apply must be at least 18 years old.
Submissions must be made online to HeroX.com before 11:59 p.m. December 20. All uploads must be in PDF format. Late submissions will not be accepted.