Scientists Discover Solution for Drinking Urine in Space; Know in Full Details

Scientists have created a system that lets astronauts convert their urine into clean drinking water. This innovation is crucial for future space missions where fresh water is limited and hard to transport in arid environments. 

The new urine filtration device will help astronauts maintain a steady water supply. The device, which weighs about 8 kg and resembles a backpack, uses forward and reverse osmosis to purify urine into drinkable water. This breakthrough will make it easier for astronauts to have access to clean water on long missions.

How will this System Work?

In this system, astronauts' urine or wastewater is filtered using both forward and reverse osmosis. The forward osmosis part acts as a pre-filter to prevent membrane fouling, a common issue in reverse osmosis.

The device is based on a User-Centered Design (UCD) system which collects astronauts' urine. The system includes a silicone cup that gets attached to the astronaut's body. When the astronaut urinates, the cup detects the moisture, activating a vacuum pump that quickly transfers the urine to the filtration system for processing. 

In the next stage, salts are reintroduced into the purified water before it is considered safe to drink. This step is essential because, while reverse osmosis (RO) technology removes contaminants, it also eliminates important minerals and salts needed for human health.

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Urine to Drinking Water

This technology ensures that wastewater is efficiently recycled into drinkable water, crucial for astronauts on long space missions. NASA is gearing up for the Artemis III mission, set to take humans to the lunar south pole in 2026, and a Mars mission in the 2030s.

Need for this Device?

"Astronauts currently have just one liter of water in their in-suit drink bags," said Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University, and co-designer of the suit, as reported by The Guardian.

The existing choices, such as the maximum absorbent garment (MAG), have been criticized for being uncomfortably prone to leaks, indicating the need for improved waste management methods in space.

This new urine filtration system will greatly benefit astronauts on these missions. The advanced spacesuit technology can transform water management for astronauts, making prolonged spacewalks more viable and sustainable.

The system is compact and lightweight, weighing about 8 kg and measuring 38 by 23 by 23 centimeters. This makes it easy to integrate into spacesuits, providing astronauts with essential comfort and hydration during missions. Researchers plan to thoroughly test its functionality and safety in simulated microgravity conditions with volunteers in New York before using the technology in actual space flights.

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