International Hackathon on Lunar Construction & Regolith 3D Printing

International Hackathon on Lunar Construction & Regolith 3D Printing

Dates: October 24–26, 2026
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Mode: Online
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B, Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Lunar Construction & Regolith 3D Printing brings together innovators, engineers, architects, scientists, and space enthusiasts to tackle one of the most critical challenges in future lunar settlement—building infrastructure using lunar regolith and autonomous construction technologies.
With the rise of Artemis missions and long-term lunar habitation plans, developing feasible, low-cost, and resilient construction methods is essential. This hackathon empowers participants to design realistic engineering solutions, automation tools, 3D printing systems, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies tailored for the harsh lunar environment.

Participants will collaborate to solve real-world problems faced by space agencies and lunar construction researchers while showcasing their creativity, technical skill, and futuristic thinking.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Lunar Regolith-Based 3D Printing Material Optimization

Problem: Lunar regolith is abrasive, heterogeneous, and lacks binding properties.
Expected Solution: Propose chemical binders, thermal sintering techniques, or hybrid mixes suitable for 3D printing. Include feasibility for in-situ production and strength testing.

Track 2: Autonomous Lunar Construction Robots

Problem: Human presence is limited; construction must be autonomous.
Expected Solution: Design robotic systems with navigation, manipulation, and printing capabilities suitable for low gravity and dusty environments.

Track 3: Dust Mitigation Strategies for Construction Machines

Problem: Regolith dust severely affects machinery, electronics, and joints.
Expected Solution: Mechanisms or coatings for dust protection, sealing, electrostatic repulsion, or magnetic filtering systems.

Track 4: Thermal Management During Lunar Structure Printing

Problem: Extreme temperature variations strain construction quality.
Expected Solution: Controlled heating/cooling, insulation approaches, or real-time monitoring techniques during additive manufacturing.

Track 5: Structural Design for Lunar Habitats Using Additive Manufacturing

Problem: Structures must withstand radiation, meteoroids, and internal pressurization.
Expected Solution: Propose optimized shell designs, radiation-proof geometries, or load-bearing 3D-printable configurations.

Track 6: In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Tools for Lunar Construction

Problem: Transporting materials from Earth is extremely costly.
Expected Solution: Systems to collect, sort, melt, or purify regolith for construction use.

Track 7: Real-Time Monitoring & Fault Detection in Lunar 3D Printing

Problem: Printing faults can compromise safety with no human oversight.
Expected Solution: AI/ML-based monitoring systems for layer defects, temperature deviations, density issues, or printer malfunction.

Track 8: Lunar Construction Logistics & Planning Simulation

Problem: Coordinating robots, printers, and resources on the lunar surface is complex.
Expected Solution: Software tools, simulators, or digital twins for planning construction timelines, resource placement, and rover coordination.

Track 9: Portable 3D Printing Units for Rapid Lunar Deployment

Problem: Printing systems must be lightweight, modular, and easy to deploy.
Expected Solution: Foldable, modular, or container-based 3D printer concepts optimized for launch.

Track 10: Open Innovation – Participant’s Own Idea

Participants may propose any original innovation in lunar construction, regolith utilization, or autonomous manufacturing aligned with the hackathon theme.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 – October 24, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Theme Briefing

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Expert Talk: Lunar ISRU & 3D Printing Technologies

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Team Formation & Problem Understanding

• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Work Kick-off & Mentor Interaction

Day 2 – October 25, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Prototype Development / Simulation

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mid-Evaluation & Feedback

• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Final Development Phase

Day 3 – October 26, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Final Submission

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Pitch Presentation

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Jury Deliberation

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Award Ceremony & Closing Note

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

• Team Size: 2–4 members

• Open to students, researchers, professionals, and innovators worldwide

• All solutions must be original and developed during the hackathon

• Maintain professionalism, teamwork, and ethical conduct

• Plagiarism leads to disqualification

• Respect diversity and maintain a positive collaborative atmosphere

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity – Novelty of approach and originality

2. Practical Application / Social Impact – Relevance to future lunar missions

3. Technical Implementation – Depth, accuracy, and engineering feasibility

4. Scalability & Feasibility – Suitability for space mission deployment

5. Presentation Quality – Clarity, visualization, and communication

6] Prizes & Recognition

• Top 10 Winners:
  Receive USD 1000 Worth Voucher under the “Idea to Startup Scheme” from SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Will be recommended to major companies and research organizations for Seed Funding Support, including:

  1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

  2. ESA European Space Research & Technology Centre (ESTEC)

  3. ISRO UR Rao Satellite Centre

  4. ICON & NASA’s 3D Printing Initiative

  5. Blue Origin – Blue Moon Lunar Infrastructure Program

• Additional Recognition:

  • Certificates of Participation for all

  • Special “Innovation Awards” at WOA International Awards 2026

  • Opportunity to showcase at related WOA International Conferences

  • Selected ideas will be featured in WOA International Journal

7] Registration

• Indian Team (4 Members): Rs. 499
  Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

• International Team (4 Members): USD 50
  Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline: October 17, 2026

8] Contact Information

📧 Email: contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events