New device converts astronaut pee into safe drinking water

Have you ever wondered how astronauts respond to nature's call in zero gravity? Well, everything will be much easier with your new water base setup. A recent study confirms a practical solution to the not-so-glamorous problem of space missions - urine waste management. Researchers from Cornell University have developed a new urine collection and filtration system for prototype spacesuits. Water supply for astronauts

Referring to the novel "Dune", we remember those magnificent immobile suits that allowed the characters to recycle every drop of water in their bodies and survive in the desert.

Who knew that this fantastic idea could one day become a reality? Fortunately, this is thanks to Sophie Etling and her team at Cornell University.

The team's design is an external vacuum line leading to the osmosis unit. This ingenious system collects and purifies astronauts' urine and turns it into drinking water.

Etling, a Cornell University researcher and lead author of the study, noted that this continuous supply of water is equipped with several safety mechanisms to ensure the astronauts' health. Spacesuit conversion

NASA's anticipated missions to the Moon and Mars present new challenges that require more complex solutions. Conventional Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) systems have been problematic for astronauts who complain of discomfort and hygiene issues.

With missions expected to last longer than ever before, the existing systems, which haven’t seen significant upgrades since the 1970s, are under scrutiny.

“The MAG has reportedly leaked and caused health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress. In addition, astronauts currently have only one liter of water in their spacesuit hydration pouches. This is not sufficient for planned, long-duration lunar spacewalks, which can last ten hours or even up to 24 hours in an emergency," Etling said.

Future of space travel hygiene

The researchers have designed a high-tech answer to these problems. This new urine collection device includes an undergarment made of flexible fabric layers, a collection cup shaped and sized differently for males and females, and a vacuum pump connected to an RFID-tagged hydrogel. "The design includes a vacuum-based external conduit leading to a combined direct and reverse osmosis unit that provides a continuous supply of potable water through multiple safety mechanisms to ensure the health of the astronauts," Etling said.

Once the astronaut's urine is collected, it is processed using an integrated direct and reverse osmosis filtration system that turns 87 percent of the waste into drinkable water in just five minutes. In addition, the system also provides astronauts with non -cafes for drinking non -coffee, which is the necessary function.

Check for safe drinking water from astronauts

From the control pump, sensor and even LCD screens, it is well wrapped in the device. It provides power from a 20.5V battery and weighs about 8 kg (17.6 pounds).

"Our system can be tested under the simulated microculation, because micro -gravity is the main spatial factors we must consider. These tests will ensure the functionality and safety of the system before deployment on actual space missions.