reGen: Recycling in Space

As space travel becomes more routine and the dream of lunar living inches closer to reality, the pressure to build sustainable systems off-world intensifies. At the same time, Earth is drowning in over 300 million tons of plastic waste each year. The NASA LunaRecycle Challenge gave us a unique opportunity to tackle both issues. We designed a solution for space that could also reshape how we recycle here at home.

reGen is a compact, modular 3D printing system that turns waste such as discarded foams and composites into mission-critical tools, furniture, and structural parts. The device uses robotics, 3D printing, smart sensors, and direct-shred tech to convert waste into new tools and mission-critical goods. Flexible enough for different environments and waste types, it’s a closed-loop solution that’s just as relevant on Earth as it is on the Moon.

Our entry for the NASA LunaRecycle challenge blends cutting-edge tech with radical sustainability. Remote diagnostics, real-time updates, and even holographic interfaces keep lunar operations running smoothly. Earth-based designers can send print designs or system fixes directly to space crews. Back on Earth, reGen enables efficient recycling practices in community-based manufacturing hubs. The result is less waste, more resilience, and a smarter way to build a circular economy from the ground up.