Astronauts have always faced challenges when it comes to collecting and purifying water in space. The current system of using maximum absorbency garments and in-suit drinking bags is uncomfortable and limited in capacity. However, a team of researchers has developed a revolutionary new spacesuit design that can transform astronaut urine into drinkable water.
Inspired by the stillsuits from the science-fiction series Dune, the new prototype spacesuit features a collection cup that routes urine into a filtration system. This system removes salty water from the urine, purifies it, enriches it with electrolytes, and then stores it in the in-suit drinking bag. The entire process can purify half a liter of water in just five minutes.
While the fictional stillsuits in Dune are powered by body movement, the new spacesuit design requires a 20.5-volt battery to operate the pumps, sensors, and display screen. Despite the added weight of the system, astronauts will benefit from a more efficient and sustainable water recycling process during long spacewalks or future lunar missions.
The team behind this groundbreaking technology plans to conduct further testing during simulated moon and Mars missions on Earth before implementing it in real spacewalks. Julio Rezende, a researcher leading a Mars analog mission in Brazil, believes that this technology could have significant benefits not only for space exploration but also for terrestrial applications.
In addition to its potential use in space, the urine collection and recycling system could be adapted for other purposes on Earth. For example, firefighters combating forest fires or hikers on long trails could benefit from a similar water purification system. The possibilities for this innovative technology are endless, and it represents a major step forward in sustainable water management for astronauts and beyond.
