Researchers develop spacesuit that can turn urine into drinking water: Report | Technology News
An innovative spacesuit inspired by the “stillsuits” from the sci-fi film Dune could revolutionize astronauts’ capabilities during spacewalks on future lunar expeditions by recycling urine into drinking water, according to a report by The Guardian.
The prototype, which collects urine, purifies it and can return it to the astronaut through a drinking tube within five minutes, is intended to support astronauts on extended missions under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar south pole by 2026 and eventually send humans to Mars by 2030.
Developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University, led by Sofia Etlin, the suit incorporates advanced technology. It features an external vacuum-based catheter and a combined reverse and forward osmosis unit to ensure a continuous supply of purified water directly to the astronaut via a drinking tube within five minutes of collection.
The initiative addresses critical challenges faced by astronauts, such as limited water supplies during prolonged lunar spacewalks, which can last up to 24 hours in emergencies.
“Currently, astronauts only have one liter of water available in the suit’s drink pouches,” said Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University and co-designer of the suit, quoted by The Guardian.
“This is insufficient for the longer planned lunar spacewalks, which could last 10 hours, and up to 24 hours in an emergency,” Etlin added.
Current solutions, such as maximum absorbency garments (MAG), have been criticized for their discomfort and leakage issues, creating a need for more efficient waste management systems in space.
The system’s compact and lightweight design, weighing approximately 8 kg and measuring 38 cm by 23 cm by 23 cm, is considered suitable for integration into spacesuits, providing essential hydration and comfort during missions. Researchers are set to conduct extensive testing with volunteers in New York to validate the system’s functionality and safety under simulated microgravity conditions before deployment on actual space missions.
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First uploaded on: 13-07-2024 at 22:52 IST
