A team of researchers has developed a revolutionary prototype spacesuit that can recycle urine into drinking water, paving the way for longer spacewalks on the moon during the Artemis missions. Inspired by the iconic stillsuits from the science fiction classic Dune, this innovative design aims to address the limitations of current spacesuit technology, which can’t provide astronauts with a continuous supply of potable water.
Astronauts currently spend around seven hours outside the International Space Station (ISS) during spacewalks, with the maximum absorbency garment (MAG) serving as a makeshift diaper. However, this setup is uncomfortable and prone to leaks, causing hygiene issues and even health problems like urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress. The in-suit drink bags currently used can only hold a liter of water, insufficient for lunar walkabouts that may last up to 10 hours.
The new prototype spacesuit offers a solution to these problems by incorporating an undergarment with multiple layers of flexible fabric, connected to a collection cup with different shapes and sizes for men and women. A battery-powered urine filtration system contained in a backpack diverts the urine to a two-step osmosis filtration system, achieving an efficiency of 87%. The purified water is then enriched with electrolytes and pumped into the in-suit drink bag, taking only five minutes to process 500 milliliters of urine.
The Quest for Efficient Spacesuit Design in Lunar Mission
The collection and purification process is remarkably efficient, considering the technology’s potential implications. Astronauts on the ISS already drink water recycled from urine, so adapting this technology to a spacesuit makes perfect sense. NASA’s plan to land two astronauts on the moon in 2026 as part of the Artemis III mission and later establish a permanent base on the lunar surface will greatly benefit from this innovative design.
The prototype spacesuit is ready for testing under simulated conditions before being trialed in actual spacewalks. While we await the results of these tests, it’s clear that this new design has the potential to revolutionize spacesuit technology, enabling astronauts to enjoy longer and safer spacewalks on the moon. With ongoing research and development, it’s likely that this technology will continue to improve, paving the way for even more ambitious space missions in the future.
The development of this prototype spacesuit represents a significant step forward in the quest for efficient spacesuit design in lunar missions. By addressing the limitations of current spacesuit technology, this innovative design has the potential to greatly enhance astronaut safety and comfort during extended spacewalks on the moon.
