Side view of the whole system, worn as a backpack
Do you ever get caught short while on a spacewalk? Astronauts using diapers while wearing spacesuits is a dirty secret in space exploration, but a new design is promising not only a more hygienic approach to spacewalks but also one that recycles valuable water.
According to NASA, astronauts use a Urine Processor Assembly to recover water from urine using vacuum distillation while inside the International Space Station. Water is such a precious resource that life support systems aim to recover nearly 98% of the water that crews bring.
Life Support
Not so outside the spacecraft, where spacewalks—which can take many hours—are conducted while astronauts wear a “maximum absorbency garment.” In use since the 1970s, these MAGs use lots of layers of superabsorbent polymer. In short, they’re diapers—and nothing that enters them is recycled.
Cue a new design for full-body “stillsuits,” inspired by the Dune movies. The movies feature spacesuits that absorb water lost through sweating and urination and purify it for drinking.
Water Recovery
Unveiled by researchers from Cornell University in a paper published this week in Frontiers in Space Technologies, “stillsuit” prototypes use a unique urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits.
“The MAG has reportedly leaked and caused health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress,” said Sofia Etlin, a research staff member at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University and the study’s first author. “Additionally, astronauts currently have only one liter of water available in their in-suit drink bags.”
For multi-hour spacewalks, that’s not much. It’s even less if you consider NASA’s plans for longer-lasting spacewalks on the moon as part of its ambitious Artemis missions to the moon. Astronauts should be able to conduct a spacewalk for 24 hours in case of emergency, according to Etlin. At least four Artemis missions include plans for lunar spacewalks by multiple astronauts.
Rear view of the whole system, worn as a backpack
Taking The Pee
The “stillsuit” includes a polyester microfiber-covered urine collection device. It comprises an undergarment made of multiple layers of flexible fabric that connects to a collection cup of molded silicone. Male and female astronauts would need to use a different shape and size. A pump is activated when moisture is detected by an RFID tag linked to an absorbent hydrogel. Designed for microgravity, collecting and purifying 500ml of urine takes only five minutes, with the researchers claiming it’s 86% efficient.
“The design includes a vacuum-based external catheter leading to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit, providing a continuous supply of potable water with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure astronaut wellbeing,” said Etlin. There are also plans to offer astronauts a separate supply of non-caffeinated high-energy drinks.
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Dr. Sarah Adams is a scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to all. Her articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
