Innovative space suit recycles urine into drinkable water for astronauts

Astronaut in Space (Representative Image - Canva)

In a significant breakthrough, researchers from Cornell University have designed a revolutionary full-body space suit that allows astronauts to recycle urine into drinkable water during spacewalks. Unlike NASA's current spacesuits, which have relied on Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs) since the late 1970s to manage waste, this new design addresses several discomforts and health risks associated with the old system.

MAGs, essentially high-tech adult diapers, have been the standard for waste management in space. However, they often lead to discomfort, leaks, and health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress for astronauts.

The innovative space suit prototype developed by the Cornell team incorporates a vacuum-based external catheter system connected to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit. This advanced system efficiently converts urine into potable water, ensuring a continuous and safe water supply for astronauts. Sofia Etlin, a research staff member at Weill Cornell Medicine, highlighted the multiple safety mechanisms designed to protect astronaut health.

According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology, the new system can collect and purify 500ml of urine in just five minutes. The suit includes a urine collection device featuring an undergarment made of flexible, multi-layered fabric. This connects to a silicone collection cup, designed in various shapes and sizes to accommodate both men and women.

Weighing only 8 kilograms, the compact and lightweight system integrates control pumps, sensors, and a liquid-crystal display screen, all powered by a 20.5V battery with a capacity of 40 amp-hours.

The research team plans to test the new space suit design under simulated conditions, with the goal of deploying it during actual spacewalks. This innovation is expected to play a crucial role in supporting astronauts on upcoming Moon and Mars missions scheduled for 2025 and 2026.