Project Objectives: The Jezero Recycler Array

Our primary objective is to design and implement a sustainable, closed-loop waste management infrastructure at Jezero Crater that maximizes resource recovery and minimizes reliance on Earth-supplied cargo. By focusing on immediate, in-situ reuse and recycling (ISM/ISRU), the Jezero Recycler Array will convert inorganic mission waste into essential commodities, enhancing the long-term viability and psychological well-being of the crew.

Core Objectives: Maximizing Resource Recovery

The Jezero Recycler Array is engineered to address all three challenge scenarios, establishing a comprehensive circular economy for mission waste.

1. Structural & Habitat Outfitting (Residence Renovations)

Objective: Instantly repurpose bulky, single-use habitat packaging and structural elements into durable components for habitat expansion and maintenance.

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  • Metric: Achieve a near-100% recycling and reuse rate for large-scale, post-deployment materials, including aluminum structures, polymer matrix composites, and foam packaging. [cite: 3]
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  • Outcome: Produce high-quality 3D printer filament (from polymers/composites) for custom tools, as well as insulation panels and tiles (from compressed foams) for interior habitat outfitting and path lining. [cite: 3] [cite_start]This process is crucial for minimizing the estimated 6,600 kg of structural materials alone. [cite: 3]

2. Crew Morale & Consumables (Cosmic Celebrations)

Objective: Engineer a functional subsystem to repurpose flexible polymer and textile waste into items that provide critical psychological and sensory input for crew welfare.

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  • Metric: Convert polymer films (PE, multi-layered laminates, Nylon) from food and drink packaging, and various textiles > (cotton, cellulose, polyester) into new celebration and comfort items. [cite: 1]
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  • Outcome: Create aesthetic objects and 3D-printed ornaments (from recycled plastics) that require zero transport mass, providing a crucial psychological return on investment by engineering commemorative events without disposable resources. [cite: 1] [cite_start]Textiles will be shredded and converted into cushioning material or simple storage containers. [cite: 1]

3. Mission & Propellant Support (Daring Discoveries)

Objective: Integrate post-experimentation waste streams, particularly carbon byproducts, into the vital In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and propellant production loop.

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  • Metric: Incorporate surplus carbon (a byproduct of atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$ extraction) as a non-volatile feedstock or binder component for essential structural materials. [cite: 2]
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  • Outcome: Utilize the recovered carbon to act as a binder or reinforcement agent when mixed with Martian regolith, enabling the in-situ manufacturing of stronger habitat shielding, durable tools, and surface infrastructure. [cite: 2] [cite_start]This directly supports the need for propellant precursors like Hydrogen ($\text{H}_2$) and Oxygen ($\text{O}_2$) generated by integrated systems. [cite: 2]

Technical & Sustainability Commitments

Our design strictly adheres to the fundamental constraints of a sustainable Martian mission:

  • Minimize Crew Time: The system is designed for automated, "batch-and-go" operation, minimizing the time crew members must dedicate to waste processing and maintenance, which is a major logistical concern.
  • Maximize Process Efficiency: Implement modular recycling units that utilize cascaded waste heat and mechanical/thermal processes to achieve a near-100% closed-loop system, minimizing external energy and maximizing water recovery.
  • Health and Safety: Our processes strictly avoid incineration, toxic emissions, PFAS, and microplastics in wastewater, ensuring environmental compliance and promoting a tidy, non-polluting Martian environment.