Scientists design spacesuit that converts urine into drinking water in 5 mins

Cornell University scientists have designed a cutting-edge spacesuit that can recycle astronauts' urine into clean drinking water within 5 minutes. 

The innovative technology is expected to be utilised by NASA for the upcoming Artemis missions.

The new spacesuit is engineered to enable astronauts to walk on the lunar surface for extended periods while maintaining physical cleanliness.

“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 Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University and co-designer of the suit.

“Astronauts currently have only one litre of water available in their in-suit drink bags. This is insufficient for the planned longer-lasting lunar spacewalks, which can last 10 hours, and even up to 24 hours in an emergency,” she added. 

Currently, Axiom Space is developing spacesuits for NASA's manned Artemis missions.

A research paper published in Frontiers in Space Technology highlights the challenges astronauts face in maintaining personal hygiene during space missions, which can impact their performance during spacewalks. 

Addressing these concerns, the Cornell University researchers integrated a urine collection and filtration system into the spacesuit.

The system measures 38cm by 23cm by 23cm, with a weight of approximately 8kg, which was judged to be sufficiently compact and light to be carried on the back of a spacesuit. 

The team is planning to recruit 100 volunteers in New York in the autumn to test the system for comfort and functionality.

The groundbreaking technology has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and comfort of future moon missions.