A filtration device is developed by the scientists for the astronauts to provide them with fresh drinking water through their urine. In the future mission of the astronauts where trekking water on barren land is impossible and freshwater storage is limited.
This discovery of a urine filtration system will help astronauts have a backup of water. The urine filtration system is a backpack-like device that would weigh around 8 kg, through the process of forward and reverse osomosis.
During this procedure, the wastewater or urine of astronauts undergoes filtration through a dual forward osmosis – reverse osmosis system, where forward osmosis serves as a pre-filter to prevent membrane fouling, a common issue in reverse osmosis processes.
The collection of the urine will be done by the UCD system where a silicone cup is attached to the anatomy of male or female astronauts upon urination the cups detect the moisture that triggers a vacuum pump to swiftly transfer the urine to the FO-RO system for processing.
The next phase is filtering, in which salts are reintroduced into the filtered water before it is judged suitable for eating. This step is necessary because the reverse osmosis (RO) method used to purify water eliminates not only pollutants but also vital minerals and salts that are important to human health.
This system ensures the efficient recycling of wastewater into potable water, crucial for sustaining astronauts during extended space missions. NASA is gearing up for the Artemis III mission in 2026, where the astronauts will be landing on the lunar south pole and a Mars mission till 2030's.
According to Sofia Ethlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University said that, "Astronauts currently have only one litre of water available in their in-suit drink bags," she further added, "This is insufficient for the planned longer-lasting lunar spacewalks, which can last 10 hours, and even up to 14 years in an emergency."
And in both missions, this new discovery of a urine filtration system will help them during the expedition. This innovative spacesuit could revolutionize water management for astronauts, making longer spacewalks more feasible and sustainable.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
