Scientists have unveiled a prototype spacesuit system designed to convert urine into potable drinking water. This spacesuit system was inspired by the stillsuits from the sci-fi film franchise Dune which aims to replace the current maximum absorbency garments (MAGs) commonly known as adult diapers used by astronauts.
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Astronauts engage in Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) for scientific experiments and repairs on the International Space Station (ISS).
EVAs typically last around 6 hours and 26 minutes but can extend beyond 8 hours. Current EVA suits contain MAGs to manage waste.
MAGs are essentially high-absorbency adult diapers. Designed over 40 years ago, MAGs can hold up to one liter of urine and 75 grams of fecal matter daily.
NASA lacks plans to update these outdated systems despite reported health issues and discomfort among astronauts.
Diapers can leak causing confusion between urine and sweat. Prolonged use leads to skin rashes, odors and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Reduced food and water intake by astronauts before EVAs to avoid using diapers can impair performance. Limited water supply during spacewalks exacerbates dehydration issues.
Developed by scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College’s Mason Lab. The Spacesuit system uses forward and reverse osmosis to filter urine into drinking water.
A silicone cup shaped differently for men and women collects urine. Several fabric layers including antimicrobial material, quickly draw urine away from the body to the outer surface.
A pump transfers urine to a two-step filtration system separating pure water from contaminants.
Urine undergoes a two-step filtration converting it into a salt solution. Pure water is then separated from the salt solution.
The Spacesuit system achieves an 86.8% efficiency in recycling urine to drinking water. The purified water is pumped into an in-suit drink bag replenished with electrolytes and carbohydrates.
The apparatus weighs 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and is worn as a backpack. It processes 500 milliliters of urine in less than five minutes.
Reduces health risks associated with urine exposure. Provides a continuous supply of potable water essential for longer missions. Potentially eliminates the need for food and water intake reduction before EVAs.
The Spacesuit system could be deployed in NASA’s Artemis III mission aiming for lunar exploration. Addresses the need for efficient water and waste management systems on the Moon and Mars.
Current lunar spacesuits under development by Axiom Space still use traditional diapers.
As space travel becomes more commercialized, efficient waste management will be crucial. The system’s comfort and functionality will be tested with 100 volunteers in New York.
Simulated microgravity conditions will ensure system safety and performance before deployment in space.
The system measures 38cm by 23cm by 23cm. Ensuring functionality in microgravity is a primary focus for upcoming tests.
The results and improvements from these tests will guide final adjustments before space missions.
The current waste management system within the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) for astronauts known as the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) is a disposable diaper that collects urine and feces during extravehicular activities (EVAs).
These EVAs can last up to 8 hours during which astronauts are exposed to their waste leading to hygiene-related medical issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress.
To tackle these issues astronauts often limit food intake before EVAs reducing their work performance and posing health risks. Additionally, the 0.95 L In-suit Drink Bag (IDB) is insufficient for longer spacewalks.
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Since the launch of the International Space Station (ISS) in 1998, astronauts have conducted numerous spacewalks using the Apollo EMU.
From 2021 to 2023 alone, 37 spacewalks were performed averaging 6 hours and 26 minutes each with the longest lasting nearly 9 hours.
During these extended EVAs, waste management becomes crucial with astronauts expected to have several urination and defecation events daily.
Recent updates to NASA’s Suit Waste Management requirements show the increased hydration guidelines necessitating suits that can collect and contain huge amounts of waste to ensure hygiene and safety.
The current MAG system can cause skin irritation, urinary tract infections and other health risks due to prolonged exposure to waste.
Astronauts have reported discomfort, odor issues and ineffective waste containment reducing their performance during spacewalks.
Astronauts often experience dehydration due to the strenuous nature of EVAs and the limited water supply in the IDB. This affects their physical performance and overall health.
The high cost of transporting supplies to space necessitates efficient waste management and water recovery systems.
Current systems on the ISS recycle wastewater, but spacesuit systems discard it leading to unnecessary water waste.
The Mason Lab at Weill Cornell Medical College proposes a novel in-suit urine collection and filtration system using forward and reverse osmosis (FO-RO) to convert urine into potable water.
This system plans to address hygiene and hydration concerns by enhancing astronaut well-being and mission efficiency.
Replaces the MAG with a device made of flexible compression material lined with antimicrobial fabric. It includes a silicone urine collection cup tailored for male and female astronauts.
Urine is collected via a vacuum pump triggered by a humidity sensor in the cup. The system aims for an 85% urine collection rate.
Initial prototypes have shown improved comfort and fit with testing planned to ensure effectiveness across diverse body types.
Utilizes FO-RO filtration to remove contaminants from urine producing potable water. The system targets a minimum 75% water recovery rate while consuming less than 10% of the EMU’s energy.
FO-RO systems are more energy-efficient and reduce membrane fouling compared to traditional RO alone.
The Spacesuit system can process up to 6.6 liters per hour sufficient for spacewalk requirements. The FO-RO apparatus will be mounted on the back of the EMU adding approximately 8 kg to its weight.
The Spacesuit system will ensure a continuous supply of potable water during EVAs supplemented with electrolyte powders for hydration.
FO-RO systems consume 35% less energy than RO alone with the proposed system expected to use up to 0.164 Ah during a 6.5-hour spacewalk.
The EMU battery has a total capacity of 40 Ah which can support the system’s energy requirements.
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