The NASA 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.
This multi-level competition put teams to the test in several areas of 3D-printing, including modeling software, material development and construction. 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. Teams competing in NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge completed the latest level of the competition – complete virtual construction – and the top three were awarded a share of the $100,000 prize purse. In first place is SEArch+/Apis Cor, a team based in New York. Their design centers around the ability of continuous structural reinforcement thanks to the shape of the design. It also features trough-shaped ports on the side and top of the building to allow light to pass through.
