NASA has announced top three teams competing for the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge completed the latest level of the competition – complete virtual construction. The first prize winner was named as SEArch+/Apis Cor from New York, and the second prize winner was named as Zopherus – Rogers from Arkansas while the third prize winner as named as Mars Incubator from New Haven, Connecticut.

The top three were awarded a share of the $100,000 prize purse. This stage of the competition required teams to create a full-scale habitat design, using modeling software. This level built upon an earlier stage that also required virtual modeling.

First launched in 2015, Foster + Partners' modular habitat was also among the 30 finalists for the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The multi-level 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge put teams to the test in several areas of 3D-printing, including modeling software, material development and construction. 

NASA's competition includes 3 major phases - and the 3rd (last phase) features the On-Site Habitat Competition, comprising five levels that test teams’ ability to advance technology to autonomously construct a habitat and will culminate in a head-to-head habitat print in April 2019 - with will end up with a $2 million prize purse. 

Image © SEArch+/Apis Cor, courtesy of NASA

Video courtesy of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Team SEArch+/Apis Cor won first place in the Phase 3: Level 4 software modeling stage of NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The unique shape of their habitat allows for continuous reinforcement of the structure. Light enters through trough-shaped ports on the sides and top.

"Eleven team entries were scored and awarded points based on architectural layout, programming, efficient use of interior space, and the 3D-printing scalability and constructability of the habitat," said NASA in a statement. 

Teams also prepared short videos providing insight into their designs as well as miniature 3D-printed models that came apart to showcase the interior design. Points were also awarded for aesthetic representation and realism. After evaluation by a panel of judges, NASA and challenge partner Bradley University of Peoria, Illinois, awarded the three teams.

Image © Zopherus, courtesy of NASA

Video courtesy of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Team Zopherus won second place in the Phase 3: Level 4 software modeling stage of NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The team’s design would be constructed by an autonomous roving printer that prints a structure and then moves on to the next site.

Image © Mars Incubator, courtesy of NASA

Video courtesy of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

The virtual design from team Mars Incubator won third place in the Phase 3: Level 4 software modeling stage of NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The team is a collection of engineers and artists.

The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge will culminate with a head-to-head subscale structure print May 1-4, 2019, and the awarding of an $800,000 prize purse. Media and the public will be invited to attend the event in Peoria, Illinois.

Top image © SEArch+/Apis Cor, courtesy of NASA

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