Stay into outer space — quite a complex event that can last up to 6-8 hours. If at this moment the astronaut wants to relieve himself, return to the ISS, and then go into outer space again, it will not work. Therefore, to this day the problem is solved in the most obvious way — using diapers. However, now scientists want to introduce a more progressive, and in their opinion, more practical solution — a urine collection system that will turn it into drinking water in a matter of minutes.
Scientists propose giving NASA astronauts recycled urine to drink. Photo source: sputnik.by
How astronauts drink water in outer space
We have already told you that the spacesuits in which NASA astronauts go into space were developed back in the mid-70s. The only way to relieve yourself in them is to use a disposable diaper. However, this is not a practical solution, because a spacewalk, as mentioned above, can last up to 8 hours. Therefore, diapers not only cause discomfort, but also skin irritation and even infection.
Of course, when astronauts work in uncomfortable and hot spacesuits in outer space, they want to drink. However, this is also a problem – you can take with you in a bag no more than 0.95 liters of water. This, of course, is better than nothing, but one liter may not be enough when you are thirsty. Therefore, a new urine recycling system can solve two problems at once.
Astronauts have a limited amount of drinking water in outer space. Photo source: mir-znaniy.com
True, in this case a third one arises – psychological. Obviously, it will not be easy for astronauts to decide to drink their own urine, even if it has undergone special treatment.
How the urine recycling system will be implemented
The system that scientists propose to implement involves the use of special underwear, made of flexible compression material and an antibacterial coating lining its inner surface. The system also contains a silicone reservoir under the genitals with a humidity sensor.
As soon as urine enters the container, the sensor turns on a vacuum pump, which draws out the liquid and directs it to a filter device located behind the astronaut's back. The filtration apparatus weighs 8 kilograms, has a height of 38 centimeters and a width of 23 centimeters. After converting the urine into fresh water, the liquid is delivered to a drinking bag inside the suit. The authors of the invention report this in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology.
The filtration system will consist of special underwear and a filter. Photo source: livescience.com
When astronauts will be able to filter urine
The filtration system no longer exists only on paper. The prototype is undergoing early testing. If it proves successful during testing, it could be used not only on the ISS. Let us recall that NASA is also planning to build a base on the Moon by the end of the decade as part of the Artemis program.
At the moment, the system has already demonstrated in laboratory conditions that it is capable of effectively removing the main components of urine. In particular, it reduces the salt level to values that meet sanitary standards.
According to the creators of the filter system, it will not only provide astronauts with comfort and solve the problem of drinking water, but will also avoid some health problems. Using diapers, as mentioned above, leads to skin irritation and even urinary tract infections.
The system is being tested in the laboratory. Photo source: .frontiersin.org
In addition, astronauts delay the excretion of urine from the body, which is also harmful to health. The filtration system will allow astronauts to forget about these unpleasant moments associated with spacewalks. In addition, a larger supply of water will help maintain water balance, which also has a positive effect on health in the long term.
However, the system will not be implemented soon. Any new technology undergoes long and thorough testing before being used in space. The system must be tested with the participation of people. In addition, it must be tested in microgravity conditions.
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Most likely, the filtration system will be implemented in the new spacesuits. However, it is unknown when they will appear, since the contractor who was supposed to deliver them in 2024 terminated the contract. Because of the old spacesuits, the astronauts have not been able to go into outer space since June 2024. The next attempt is not scheduled until the end of July.