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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., astronauts use a Urine Processor Assembly to recover water from urine using vacuum distillation while inside the International Space Station.
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.
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.The “stillsuit” includes a polyester microfiber-covered urine collection device.
“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.Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.
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