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ACI Sponsors NASA 3-D Printed Habitat Challenge

12/5/2017

Phase 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) 3-D Printed Habitat Challenge is now open, and ACI is excited to be a sub-sponsor of the Challenge.

The competition surrounds the building of a 3-D printed habitat for deep-space exploration and is designed to advance the construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth and beyond. The event is led by NASA and Challenge Partner, Bradley University.

The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is divided into phases. The Phase 1: Design Competition called on participants to develop state-of-the-art architectural concepts and was completed in 2015. The Phase 2: Structural Member Competition focused on manufacturing structural components and was completed in August 2017.

The Phase 3: On-Site Habitat Competition challenges competitors to fabricate sub-scale habitats using indigenous materials with or without mission-generated recyclables, and offers a $2 million total prize purse. Phase 3 has five levels of competition. Interested teams may register through Feb. 15, 2018. Full details, schedule and rules can be found here.

ACI participated in the Phase 2 event in Peoria, Illinois, USA, and was on hand to speak to high school and university students along with the public about the Institute, the use of concrete in 3-D printing and extraterrestrial concrete. NASA Challenge also exhibited at the ACI Concrete Convention and Exposition in Detroit, MI, USA, March 25-29, 2017, and Anaheim, CA, USA, October 15-19, 2017, to gather input from the ACI member community. Challenge sponsors include Bradley University, Caterpillar, Bechtel, and Brick & Mortar Ventures.

Find more information on NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge here.