Challenges and Competitions: Utilizing Transdisciplinary Learning and the NASA Space Grant Network to Engage Industry, Higher Education, K-12 and the General Public in ECLSS

Competitions and challenges spark innovation and inspire students and researchers at all levels. Space exploration is particularly well-suited as subject matter, inspiring engagement in STEM and building skills including collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and creativity. Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), including agriculture, are relevant topics that engage varied populations and allow participants to engage in activities that are meaningful, accessible, and applicable in space and on earth. Partnering with NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) and Space Grant, Plant the Moon Challenge is an example project engaging students and professionals internationally in testing nutrients, fertilizers, and other modifications to regolith necessary to grow nutrient-rich, sustainable food sources for future astronauts. This transdisciplinary connection between agriculture and space science has helped reach over 30,000 students, largely from communities underserved in STEM. Preliminary evidence indicates increases in STEM identity and career interests, particularly among rural underserved students. Challenges like this can be utilized to motivate students, enhance education and address realistic needs of the space community. In 2024, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate documented 187 shortfalls – capabilities needing further development to meet mission needs - resulting in the Civil Space Shortfall Ranking document. Using challenges to address these shortfalls could provide innovative solutions and engage all communities including government agencies, industry, academics, and non-profits. The NASA Space Grant Consortia provide a network of universities, industry partners, K-12 educators, and museums and science centers supporting STEM education, research, and outreach efforts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Space Grant has already contributed funding to the Plant the Moon Challenge in 27 states and Puerto Rico. Through this network, the shortfalls associated with life support can be utilized as an exciting, relevant topic for challenges to promote STEM education, encourage community building, and stimulate innovation.