Suggested Searches

Mars to Table Challenge

A new NASA Deep Space Food Challenge seeking concepts for food systems that could be used on the surface of Mars and the Moon

This illustration of Moon to Mars infrastructure shows astronauts living and working on the surface of Mars. NASA’s Moon to Mars Objectives establish an objectives-based approach to the agency's human deep space exploration efforts; NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture approach distills the objectives into operational capabilities and elements.

About the Challenge

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

Total prizes

$750,000

Contact Us:

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