Challenge Basics

+ What is Mars to Table?

Mars to Table is a NASA Centennial Challenge that seeks to incentivize the development of a complete space food system for a planetary surface that integrates a variety of food sources and associated technologies, and that meets 100% of the crew’s variable nutritional needs within the constraints of a Martian habitat.

+ Who is conducting this Challenge?

This Challenge is conducted by NASA in partnership with the Methuselah Foundation and under contract with Floor23 Digital.

Centennial Challenges are public prize competitions that strive to be audacious and inspirational with a focus on long-range NASA goals while addressing complex mission needs. Challenges also identify new sources of expertise and stimulate current and new markets for government and commercial collaboration. The competitions ensure NASA’s needs are met and provide terrestrial applications and opportunities for the betterment of humanity.

The Methuselah Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to advance human health and longevity. They develop and partner with programs and organizations to accelerate breakthroughs in these areas. Floor 23 Digital is a Wisconsin-based innovation and engagement company that helps organizations design and manage contests, Challenges, and other collaborative activities.

+ What is the Challenge timeline?

The Challenge is designed as one single Phase where Teams will spend up to seven months designing a nutritious and complete meal plan for a crew on Mars, along with a detailed, data-supported concept of operations for the integrated food system that supports and provides for that meal plan. Teams will visualize this concept through design layouts and a walkthrough video, and will present all deliverables through a recorded presentation for judicial review. The Challenge officially opened for registration in January of 2026 and will be completed no later than September 30, 2026.

+ What happens to my intellectual property?

Neither NASA, the Methuselah Foundation, or any of its affiliated partners claim any intellectual property (IP) rights from the Teams’ submissions. All trade secrets, copyrights, patent rights, and software rights will remain with each respective Team.

+ What are NASA’s plans for integrating successful solutions from this Challenge into actual future missions?

There are no explicit plans for integrating solutions from the Challenge into specific planned missions. However, the Challenge is designed to address key technical hurdles and requirements that will need to be addressed in future missions.

+ Are we allowed to use the NASA logo, such as for a kickstarter campaign to help fund our participation?

As stated in the Challenge rules, Teams may not use the name, trademark or insignia of NASA. However, Teams are permitted to use the Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table logo and share information about their participation in the Challenge.

+ Are there restrictions on how the prize money can be used?

There are no limitations on how the prize purse may be used by an eligible individual, organization, or Team.

+ How can I stay up to date on what's happening?

To receive updates about the Challenge, we recommend bookmarking/following:

– Challenge Website

– X

– Instagram

– Linkedin

The Mars To Table Team will also be hosting occassional informational webinars.

+ How do I register for webinars?

Registering for the Challenge will allow our team to send email updates regarding upcoming webinars and how to watch them. Keep an eye on this website as well for updates as they become available.

+ How many webinars will be held?

While there is not a concrete number at this time, the Mars to Table Team intends to host at least four informational webinars over the course of the Challenge. Registering for the Challenge will allow our team to send email updates regarding the latest information on future webinars.

+ Where can I find information about those webinars?

Past webinars will be featured on deepspacefood.org/marstotable under the "Webinars" tab (when active, located within the dropdown menu under "Mars to Table"). They are organized by date, with the most recent webinar listed at the top.

+ Can I use crowdfunding to raise money to support my participation in the Challenge?

Teams may use crowdfunding to support their participation in the Challenge.

+ Eligibility and Registration

+ Who is eligible to compete and win a prize?

The Challenge is open to U.S. and International Teams that meet the eligibility requirements outlined within the official rules. In order to be eligible to win a prize from NASA:

– Individuals must be U.S. citizens OR permanent residents of the United States, AND over the age of 18.

– Organizations must be an entity incorporated in AND maintaining a primary place of business in the United States.

– Teams must be composed of otherwise eligible individuals or organizations AND led by an otherwise eligible individual or organization.

– Team Leader must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

A Team may include foreign nationals and be eligible to win prize money as long as the foreign national signs and delivers a disclosure wherein they disclose his/her citizenship and acknowledge that he/she is not eligible to win a prize from NASA, AND the foreign national is:

– An employee of an otherwise eligible U.S. entity participating in the Challenge,

– An owner of such entity, so long as foreign citizens own less than 50% of the interests in the entity,

– A contractor under written contract to such entity, OR

– A full-time student who, during the time of the Challenge, (1) is enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning, (2) has a valid student visa and (3) is otherwise in compliance with all local, state, and U.S. Government laws and regulations regarding the sale and export of technology.

Team Members must furnish proof of eligibility (including proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, for individuals, and proof of incorporation and primary place of business, for entities) which proof must be satisfactory to NASA in its sole discretion.

A Team’s failure to comply with any aspect of the eligibility requirements will result in the Team being disqualified from winning a Prize from NASA.

More details about specific eligibility situations can be found in the official Challenge rules.

+ Although International Teams are not eligible for prize money, will they receive any recognition for being recognized as an International Winner?

NASA will issue a certificate and letter of congratulations to International Teams designated as winners. As stated in the Challenge rules, up to three (3) top-scoring International Teams will be recognized as the International Winner and International Runners-Up.

+ I’d like to compete; how do I get started?

Registration will open when the Challenge opens and will remain open until July 31, 2026 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). In order to register, all Teams must:

– Follow the registration path on this site, which will take you to a dedicated Floor23 Digital Innobear page to complete the process. – Complete the Registration Form to create a Team, designating a Team name and Team leader. – Download the Team Agreement template. – Upload a completed and signed Team Agreement. – Provide Proof of Citizenship for the Team Leader and each Team Member. – If the Team is competing as an Entity, provide Proof of Incorporation showing that the entity is incorporated in and maintains a primary place of business in the United States. – Provide a Preliminary Concept Abstract and Team Description: Teams must complete the online Registration Form by entering a Preliminary Concept Abstract and a Team Description into the designated text fields. The abstract must provide a high-level overview of the proposed food system, identifying primary production technologies and the general approach to meeting Challenge objectives, while the Team Description should briefly outline the Team's background, affiliations, and expertise.

Once a Team has completed all of these items, they will undergo review and the registered point of contact will receive a communication explaining whether: 1) their registration has been verified; 2) their registration has not been verified because additional information is required; or 3) their registration has not been verified because they are not eligible.

As soon as a Team has been deemed eligible and approved to participate in the Challenge, they will receive all submission templates and other necessary documentation to begin working on their submission. As such, Teams are strongly encouraged to begin the registration process as soon as possible so they have ample time to receive these materials and complete their submission before the Final Submission Deadline of August 14, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.

+ Is there a maximum or minimum number of Team members allowed on a Team? Are Teams judged differently based on size?

There is no limit on the number of eligible Team members allowed in a Team. Further, Team size is not taken into account in the judging process.

+ Must each member of the Team be registered, or does one registration per Team suffice?

A Team lead may register their Team as one entry, though each Team member must be listed under that Team and will be required to furnish proof of eligibility, including proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, for individuals, and proof of incorporation and primary place of business, for entities. A Team’s failure to comply with any aspect of the eligibility requirements will result in the Team being disqualified from winning a Prize from NASA.

– Follow the registration path on this site, which will take you to a dedicated Floor23 Digital Innobear page to complete the process. – Complete the Registration Form to create a Team, designating a Team name and Team leader.

– Download the Team Agreement template.

– Upload a completed and signed Team Agreement.

– Provide Proof of Citizenship for the Team Leader and each Team Member.

– If the Team is competing as an Entity, provide Proof of Incorporation showing that the entity is incorporated in and maintains a primary place of business in the United States.

– Provide a Preliminary Concept Abstract and Team Description: Teams must complete the online Registration Form by entering a Preliminary Concept Abstract and a Team Description into the designated text fields. The abstract must provide a high-level overview of the proposed food system, identifying primary production technologies and the general approach to meeting Challenge objectives, while the Team Description should briefly outline the Team's background, affiliations, and expertise.

Once a Team has completed all of these items, they will undergo review and the registered point of contact will receive a communication explaining whether: 1) their registration has been verified; 2) their registration has not been verified because additional information is required; or 3) their registration has not been verified because they are not eligible.

As soon as a Team has been deemed eligible and approved to participate in the Challenge, they will receive all submission templates and other necessary documentation to begin working on their submission. As such, Teams are strongly encouraged to begin the registration process as soon as possible so they have ample time to receive these materials and complete their submission before the Final Submission Deadline of August 14, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.

+ Can a Team be composed of citizens of multiple countries?

Teams may be composed of people from different countries. Please see the Challenge rules for additional details regarding foreign national participation in the Challenge.

+ Can multiple Teams from the same organization enter the Challenge?

The Challenge rules do not prohibit an organization from sponsoring/having more than one Team. It is up to an organization on how many Teams they want to sponsor.

+ Can I compete as an individual?

You may compete as an individual if you meet all Legal Requirements outlined in the Challenge rules.

+ Can I compete if I’m under 18 years old?

All individuals must be 18 years of age or older to compete in the Challenge.

+ I’m interested in the Challenge, but I’m under 18 years old and therefore ineligible to compete. Are there other ways I can get involved with NASA?

We appreciate your enthusiasm for getting involved! Visit NASA's Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing page, <nasa.gov data-preserve-html-node="true"/getinvolved>, to view all open Challenges and crowdsourcing opportunities. NASA opens new competitions on a rolling basis, many of which may allow for participation of solvers who are under the age of 18.

+ Can I compete if I work for the government/am a government contractor?

As stated in the Challenge rules, U.S. government employees participating as individuals, or who submit applications on behalf of an otherwise eligible organization, will be responsible for ensuring that their participation in the Challenge is permitted by the rules and regulations relevant to their position and that they have obtained any authorization that may be required by virtue of their government position. NASA contractors may enter the competition, or be members of prize-eligible Teams, so long as they are not within the scope of their contract, and they rely on no facilities, access, personnel, knowledge or other resources that are available to them as a result of their employment except for those resources available to all other participants on an equal basis. Please see the Challenge rules for additional details.

+ Can a U.S. company submit a concept currently under development through an SBIR award?

If you are a past grantee of the SBIR program, you may apply. If you are a current grantee, please note that no U.S. government funds may be used to prepare your submission.

+ Do I have to have a technical degree/STEM job in order to compete in this Challenge?

There are no specific credentials or experience required to compete in the Challenge. Any eligible person or Team may compete.

+ Are Teams required to be a part of a university or company in order to compete as a Team?

Teams do not need to be part of a formal organization, institution, or entity.

+ If my Team is comprised of university students, do we have to register as a Team under our university?

From NASA's perspective, eligible Teams may be either individuals or organizations and choose how they would like to register. We recommend that Teams consult with their respective organizations to determine whether that organization has protocols regarding this question.

+ Can our professor be our Team leader?

Yes, a university professor can be a Team Leader.

+ Why do I need insurance?

The U.S. Government requires all individuals and entities involved in Challenges of this type to have adequate insurance coverage. Solver Teams are obligated to abide by existing U.S. Government guidelines. Please reference the Challenge rules for detailed information regarding insurance coverage.

+ How do I submit my citizenship documents?

Your documentation is submitted as part of the registration process. Go to the registration page on the Floor23 Digital Innobear platform by clicking any "register" button on this site. Once on the page, log in at the bottom and navigate to the designated upload actions presented to you.

When you click on the appropriate action, follow the instructions and upload your documentation as appropriate. Documents are stored securely in accordance with federal data protection standards.

If you experience any technical difficulties with the upload process, please contact the Challenge support team at marstotable@floor23digital.com.

+ If I am required to upload personally identifiable information to verify my identity and citizenship, how are you keeping my information safe and secure?

Protecting the privacy and security of your personal information is extremely important. When you upload sensitive documents to verify your identity and citzenship for a challenge on Floor23 Digital's Innobear platform, you can trust that the team is keeping your data safe. Here's how we ensure the security of your information:

– Secure Infrastructure: Innobear is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading provider of secure cloud computing infrastructure. AWS employs strict physical and digital safeguards to protect customer data.

– Encryption: Our team uses strong encryption to protect your data both when it's being transmitted to our systems and when it's stored at rest. This prevents unauthorized access to your information.

– Restricted Access: Only Challenge Administrators who absolutely need it to verify your eligibility are allowed to view your personal documents. Access is tightly controlled and monitored.

– Limited Use: Our team only uses your personal information for the specific identity verification purposes you provided it for. We won't share it or use it for anything else without your clear permission.

If you have specific security concerns or questions about the document submission process, please contact Challenge support at marstotable@floor23digital.com.

+ What documents can I use to verify my citizenship?

There are several options for documents individuals can use to verify their citizenship, depending on their citizenship status.

For U.S. Citizens, evidence of Citizenship or Residence may include:

– U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card

– U.S. Birth Certificate issued by a State, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States

– Certification of Report of Birth Abroad

– Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561)

– Naturalization Certificate (N-550, N-570)

– Form I-197, U.S. Citizen Identification Card

– Form I-179, Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States

– Native American tribal document

For U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), evidence may include:

– Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

– I-551 Temporary Visa Stamp endorsed for Permanent Residency, plus copy of Foreign Passport

For non-U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents, evidence may include:

– Foreign Passport

– National Identification Card (for non-citizens residing outside of the United States of America)

– USCIS Travel Document

– A tribal membership document issued by a Canadian First Nation or A Certificate of Indian Status (commonly referred to as an ”INAC card”) issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

+ I completed the registration process, how do I know that I am eligible?

Registrations are expected to be reviewed and verified on a rolling basis. After a Team has completed all of the required steps to register, including uploading their completed Team agreement and providing the required proof of citizenship for all Team members and proof of insurance or financial responsibility, they will receive a communication explaining whether:

– Their registration has been verified;

– Their registration has not been verified because additional information is required; or

– Their registration has not been verified because they are not eligible.

Submissions

+ When are submissions due?

The Challenge opens for registration on January 13, 2026 and will accept applications until July 31, 2026. Teams must apply during this period in order to be considered for participation in the Challenge. If cleared to participate, Teams will have until August 14, 2026 to submit their solution.

+ Can Teams only enter one solution?

Teams are permitted to submit only one solution to this Challenge. Secondary submissions will not be reviewed or scored.

+ Can we update our submission if we've already submitted it?

Teams may edit any information on their registration and submission items any time before the final submission deadline, August 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ET. After the deadline, no changes will be allowed.

+ Can we add new Team members after we register?

New Team members may be added to the Team up until the final submission deadline, August 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Team members previously registered for the Challenge on one Team may not switch Teams during the same phase of the competition.

The existing Team Leader is accountable for any decision to make changes to the Team roster, including bringing on new Team members and/or releasing registered Team members. New Team members must meet the eligibility requirements and submit all required paperwork and supporting documents as stated in the Challenge rules.

If you need to amend your Team Agreement, please upload a revised Team Agreement on the registration and submission platform and send an email to the support Team at MarstoTable@floor23digital.com explaining the changes you need to make.

+ Are there any opportunities to collaborate with NASA researchers as part of this Challenge?

To mitigate conflicts of interest and keep the Challenge fair to all solvers, there will not be any opportunities to collaborate with NASA researchers during the Challenge.

+ Can I delete my Team from the Challenge?

Yes, Teams may withdraw from the Challenge at any time. To withdraw your Team, simply send an email to MarstoTable@floor23digital.com with the subject line "Team Withdrawal Request." Please include the following information in your email:

– Team name

– Team leader name

– Brief reason for withdrawal (optional)

Once we receive your email, your withdrawal will be noted in our system and you will receive a confirmation email within 3-5 business days. No further action is required on your part.

Please note that withdrawal is permanent and you will not be able to re-register the same Team for this Challenge cycle. If you are experiencing difficulties or have questions about continuing, we encourage you to reach out to the support Team at MarstoTable@floor23digital.com before withdrawing.

+ Can I use an AI to narrate my presentation?

All submissions must represent original work developed by the members of each Team. Teams are permitted to utilize Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and other AI-assisted tools as force multipliers to assist in the development of their submissions. This includes the use of AI for brainstorming, data analysis, drafting text, generating code, or creating visual assets. However, this Challenge operates on a "Human-in-the-Loop" mandate for verification, accountability, originality, and disclosure. For more information regarding this mandate, please read the Challenge rules.

NASA and the Methuselah Foundation reserve the right to request clarification regarding AI use and to disqualify submissions that are found in violation of this policy. Teams are responsible for understanding the copyright and ownership limitations regarding the output of the specific AI tools they utilize. NASA and Methuselah Foundation are not responsible for IP disputes arising from a Team's use of non-copyrightable AI-generated content.

+ Can my submission be submitted in a different language?

All submissions must be in English. We cannot review submissions that are not in English.

Other Questions

+ Where can I find information on the roles of food and nutrition as they pertain to human spaceflight?

In addition to the articles, papers, and sites included in Appendix A of the Challenge rules, we recommend checking out this webpage for more information: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/human-adaptation-2021-final-b.pdf

+ How do quality and quantity of the available food affect the astronaut’s psychological health?

There are a lot of ways that food (quantity and quality) can affect crew morale, behavior, performance, etc. The available food repeats about every eight days – and even with the best food, if one knows it is repeating, they will eventually get bored of even their favorite foods. The food system is designed to provide as much variety as possible, which means during those eight days, there may only be a few (two to three) packages of each food item. If a crewmate eats the foods you like before you can get them – imagine how that may affect intra- and interpersonal morale.

+ What type of cooking methods are currently used by astronauts?

Presently, there are no actual methods of "cooking," in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, astronauts may alter fully-cooked food items through hot water rehydration and warming drawers for bringing the food up to "hot meal" temperatures. Refrigerators are also used to cool some food products before they are consumed.