Spacesuits that recycle urine into drinking water: here's how it works

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In the United States, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed a new system for astronauts that converts their urine into drinking water during spacewalks. Indeed, as indicated in the article presenting this work, astronauts currently use diapers called maximum absorption garments (MAG – Maximum Absorbency Garments) which collect their urine and excrement during spacewalks, including the duration can reach 8 hours. And to hydrate, they are equipped with a bag containing 0.95 liters of water, which may be insufficient.

Recycling urine from diapers

To solve these two problems, the researchers therefore imagined a combination capable of recycling urine astronauts during these outings, in order to provide a source of drinking water. A solution which, at the same time, reduces the risk of urinary infections or gastrointestinal problems. This could also improve the comfort of astronauts. The system proposed by the Weill Cornell Medical College team uses a modified version of the diaper used by astronauts, and a vacuum pump. The urine passes through an external catheter, then through a direct and reverse osmosis filtration system which transforms it into drinking water.

For this system to be effective, this urine filtration would need to have at least a water recovery rate of 75%. In addition, it should not consume too much energy. Furthermore, the water produced via this system must meet health standards. The idea could revolutionize spacewalks, but the researchers admit that more work needs to be done before the system can be exploited. “[…] additional research and testing is warranted to refine and implement these innovations for future space missions, contributing to the advancement of space technologies 8217;deep space exploration and astronaut health and performance,” reads the publication.

The ISS already recycles urine and sweat at 98%

In any case, collecting urine and sweat to produce water is nothing new in space. In 2023, the ISS recycling system has also been improved to recover 98% of the water that comes from sweat and urine. With the old device, this recovery rate varied from 93% to 94%.

With their work, researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College intend to extend this water recovery to spacewalks, when the astronauts are not on the station. According to The Guardian, the researchers hope that their filtration system can be operational for Artemis III, a mission planned by NASA to return to the Moon.

• Currently, astronomers must wear diapers in their spacesuits during spacewalks
• But researchers are working on a new system that would recycle urine to turn it into drinking water
• This would limit the risk of urinary tract infections, while allowing astronauts to have more drinking water during spacewalks
• Researchers hope that this solution will be operational for NASA's Artemis III mission

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