This spacesuit turns urine into drinking water, just like in Dune

Scientists have developed a spacesuit that turns urine into drinking water. This invention creates safer and more suitable human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. 

This spacesuit is a result of the collaborative efforts of many experts from various institutions. Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University, is one of the co-designers of this incredible invention. 

The enhanced filtration system and chemical treatments used in this spacesuit filter and purify the urine and turn it into drinking water. 

This incredible spacesuit’s enhanced features provide astronauts with a reliable water source during their crucial mission. It also reduces external water dependence.

An in-depth look at how this spacesuit functions

This spacesuit has a silicone cup connected to a moisture-activated vacuum pump. Urine goes through two stages of filtration: forward osmosis and reverse osmosis, to produce clean water. 

This filtration system works very efficiently, and it can recover 87% of the water from the urine. Filtered water is returned to the astronaut through a drinking tube. 

The pros of using this spacesuit

The currently used MAG is prone to leakage and causes skin irritation, which can lead to hygiene issues and discomfort. This new spacesuit system eliminates leakage and ensures the urine is removed quickly without prolonged contact with the skin. 

This new system is comparatively lightweight (8 kg) and compact, which reduces bulkiness and improves mobility and comfort. It will provide pure water, as opposed to the present in-suit drinking bag, that only provides a restricted amount.

Astronauts always have to limit their food and drink intake due to the limitations of the current MAG, but this new system helps to enhance hydration and nutrition without limitation. 

To sum it up, scientists have developed a new spacesuit that can turn urine into drinking water, providing a safer and more reliable water source for astronauts during their missions. This invention also reduces external water dependence and improves hydration and nutrition for astronauts.

Featured image credits: New scientist, The Jerusalem Post