This Dune-Inspired Spacesuit Turns Astronauts’ Urine Into Drinking Water

In what could be a major breakthrough for space exploration, researchers at Cornell University have designed a new spacesuit for astronauts that can turn their urine into drinking water.

This urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits addresses the comfort, hygiene and water conservation issues that persist during spacewalks. This prototype, similar to the “stills” in the Dune sci-fi franchise, is expected to revolutionize waste management in space.

The new system, detailed in a study published in Frontiers in Space Technologies, includes an external vacuum catheter connected to a combined forward and reverse osmosis unit. This innovative design provides astronauts with a continuous supply of drinking water, recycling urine with an impressive 87 percent efficiency.

Sofia Etlin, lead author of the study, explained that the system includes several safety mechanisms to ensure the well-being of astronauts. This design is timely for NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and expeditions to Mars planned for the early 2030s.

The current system of maximum absorbency garments (MAG), in use since the late 1970s, has caused discomfort and health problems for astronauts. The new design aims to eliminate these problems while taking into account the limited water supply during extended spacewalks, which can last up to 24 hours in an emergency.

The prototype consists of a multi-layered undergarment connected to a silicone collection cup, suitable for both men and women. A vacuum pump, activated by an RFID tag connected to an absorbent hydrogel, collects the urine for filtering. The purified water is then enriched with electrolytes and reinjected into the drink bag integrated into the suit.

Weighing approximately eight kilograms and measuring 38 x 23 x 23 cm, the system is compact enough to be carried on the back of a spacesuit. It can process 500 ml of urine in just five minutes, significantly improving water availability during spacewalks.

Dr Christopher E Mason, lead author of the study, said the next step is to test the system in simulated microgravity conditions before deploying it on real space missions.

This innovation marks a significant advancement in space technology, promising to improve astronaut comfort and efficiency during future deep space explorations.