Since the late 1970s, NASA spacesuits have been designed with Maximum Absorbent Garment (MAG) layered adult diapers made of superabsorbent polymers.
While astronauts on spacewalks relieve themselves inside their spacesuits, it is uncomfortable with reports of leaks and health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress.
The new prototype of the space suit, designed by Cornell University researchers, includes "a vacuum-based external catheter that leads to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit".
"It provided a continuous supply of potable water with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure the astronaut's well-being," said Sophia Ettlin, a research staff member at Weill Cornell Medicine.
The study, detailed in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology, shows that it takes just five minutes to collect and purify 500 milliliters of urine.
It also includes a urine collection device, which consists of an undergarment made of several layers of flexible fabric. It connects to a collection cup of molded silicone (with different shapes and measurements for women and men) molded to fit around the genitalia.
The compact and lightweight (8 kg) system also integrates control pumps, sensors and a liquid-crystal display screen. It is powered by a 20.5V battery with a 40 amp-hour capacity.
The team aims to test the new design under simulated conditions and later during an actual spacewalk. It aims to help astronauts during upcoming Moon and Mars missions in 2025 and 2026.
While astronauts on spacewalks relieve themselves inside their spacesuits, it is uncomfortable with reports of leaks and health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress.
The new prototype of the space suit, designed by Cornell University researchers, includes "a vacuum-based external catheter that leads to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit".
"It provided a continuous supply of potable water with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure the astronaut's well-being," said Sophia Ettlin, a research staff member at Weill Cornell Medicine.
The study, detailed in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology, shows that it takes just five minutes to collect and purify 500 milliliters of urine.
It also includes a urine collection device, which consists of an undergarment made of several layers of flexible fabric. It connects to a collection cup of molded silicone (with different shapes and measurements for women and men) molded to fit around the genitalia.
The compact and lightweight (8 kg) system also integrates control pumps, sensors and a liquid-crystal display screen. It is powered by a 20.5V battery with a 40 amp-hour capacity.
The team aims to test the new design under simulated conditions and later during an actual spacewalk. It aims to help astronauts during upcoming Moon and Mars missions in 2025 and 2026.
