NASA Contest: ISS Refabricator Patch Challenge

  • Status: Closed
  • Prize: $250
  • Entries Received: 177
  • Winner: rafaelffontes

Contest Brief

NASA’s In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) Initiative is responsible for developing the on-demand manufacturing, repair and recycling capabilities that will provide sustainable operations during NASA Exploration Missions. In 2014, the ISM project made history by sending the first 3D printer to the International Space Station (ISS) and manufacturing the first parts ever in space. This was a critical first step in demonstrating additive manufacturing in microgravity. Currently, the ISM Program is preparing a new payload for the International Space Station (ISS) that will demonstrate capabilities for in-space recycling and manufacturing. This payload, called the “Refabricator”, combines a recycling system with a 3D printer to enable astronauts on the ISS and future deep space manned space missions to recycle plastic waste into 3D printer filament and then use that filament for ‘on-demand’ fabrication of new tools, replacement parts, and ‘consumable’ items such as food-safe utensils and medical implements.

For more details and imagery on the Refabricator project, see the attached file.

The goal of this challenge is to develop a “mission patch” for the Refabricator demonstration. The product should graphically convey the key theme of space exploration, recycling of materials, and on-demand manufacturing. The graphic will be used in multiple ways in the project. A small version of the graphic will be placed in the top corner of all presentation materials developed by the project, and a larger version of the graphic may be placed on the title page of presentations. This graphic will also be used on team items (shirts, mugs, etc.) and in materials developed for education and public outreach. Additionally, the graphic could potentially also fly on the actual Refabricator hardware launching to the ISS.

Solution Requirements
• Do not use NASA official logos or graphics or ‘NASA’ in the graphic text.
• Must use the term “Refabricator” in the text of the graphic.

Both a color version and black/white version are required.
• Source File Requirements: All original vector source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered AI or EPS files. Note that PSDs saved as EPS files are not true vector / scalable files and will not be accepted.
• All fonts (and operating systems) must be listed in a text file within your Submission Zip file. Include the name of the font and a link to where it can be downloaded/purchased. DO NOT include any font files in your submission or source files.
• All text in the graphic should be converted to outlines.
• Submission should also include 1024 x1024 version of the graphic in jpeg or png (on both a black background and a white background). The NASA insignia or other NASA logos cannot be used as any part of the submission.

Other Preferences:
• Color pallet is open, but limited to 6 colors.
• Please avoid gradients or other special effects as they are difficult to reproduce across all media.
Stock Photography Requirements:
• Stock photography is not allowed in this contest. All submitted elements must be designed solely by you.

Judging Criteria:
• Requirements: Does your submission meet the requirements as stated within the challenge? 
• Quality: Does your submission look fresh, professional, and clean?
• Concept: Does your submission capture the essence of the Refabricator’s objective to 3D Print and Recycle in space?

Please note that NASA employees/contractors are not eligible to win a monetary award for this contest.

Recommended Skills

Employer Feedback

“Rafael F. did an outstanding job of creating a patch graphic for use with our NASA ISS Refabricator Project . This was a contest and this design was selected from 230 entries.”

Profile image nasacoeci, United States.

Public Clarification Board

  • souravhasan1002
    souravhasan1002
    • 2 years ago

    well done

    • 2 years ago
  • alviolette
    alviolette
    • 6 years ago

    Great Design Rafaelfontes! ... I look forward to competing with you, GordonCreative and AdeelDesigner (all excellent designers I am sure, ) in the next NASA mission patch competition. I am humbled to be in the company of such talent!

    • 6 years ago
    1. rafaelffontes
      rafaelffontes
      • 6 years ago

      Thank you so much Alviolette, I'm sure all of you are great designers too and had worked hard for this contest. Congrats for participating and I hope to see you all in the next! : )

      • 6 years ago
  • GordonCreative
    GordonCreative
    • 6 years ago

    Congrats Rafael, a job well done.

    • 6 years ago
    1. rafaelffontes
      rafaelffontes
      • 6 years ago

      Thank you so much!

      • 6 years ago
  • nasacoeci
    Contest Holder
    • 6 years ago

    Please congratulate our winner for this contest Rafael F. ! We really appreciate everyone's hard work on this contest and the excellent quality of work!

    • 6 years ago
    1. rafaelffontes
      rafaelffontes
      • 6 years ago

      Thank you so much! I'm really, really happy by being awarded in this contest. Congrats also for all participants! : )

      • 6 years ago
  • bresticmarv
    bresticmarv
    • 6 years ago

    Hello sir, have a look at #193

    • 6 years ago
    1. nasacoeci
      Contest Holder
      • 6 years ago

      Thank you for all of the designs that you submitted!

      • 6 years ago
    2. bresticmarv
      bresticmarv
      • 6 years ago

      Hey hey, please check my last iterations: #213 #215 #218 #228 #230

      • 6 years ago
  • YONWORKS
    YONWORKS
    • 6 years ago

    Please check #55 and #56 . Thank you

    • 6 years ago
    1. nasacoeci
      Contest Holder
      • 6 years ago

      We checked out your designs, and they are very nice! Your designs are being forwarded to the team for further feedback. Thanks you for your entries!

      • 6 years ago
  • ethmain
    ethmain
    • 6 years ago

    I am sad to say this. #increaseprize

    • 6 years ago

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