Spacewalks can be physically demanding for astronauts. During extravehicular activities (EVAs), astronauts don’t just admire the Earth, they perform important tasks like tests and repairs that can last up to eight hours.
Since they can’t take a break to use the bathroom during a mission, and staying hydrated is crucial, astronauts have been wearing disposable diapers since the 1980s. However, using diapers comes with its own set of challenges that need to be addressed.
The Search for an Alternative to Diapers
Astronauts wear maximum absorbency garments (MAG) that are designed to ensure urine containment, a key safety feature for astronauts. However, this doesn’t mean that users can’t be exposed to physical discomfort or risk of irritation. It looks like an alternative is on the way.
A group of scientists from several U.S. institutions are proposing that astronauts drink their own purified urine. This solution would not only address the disadvantages of diapers but also make it possible to increase the supply of drinking water, which is limited to less than one liter. This would be done with the help of a new type of device.
Urine collection spacesuit prototype.
According to an article published in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology, the entire system is mounted on the extravehicular activity suit. When the sensors detect urine, a vacuum pump is turned on that sucks the liquid into a filter just over 39 centimeters long located on the astronaut’s back.
The filter transforms urine into drinking water that can be added to the user’s hydration reservoir. However, this isn’t just a concept on paper. Scientists have proven that the device is useful and meets safety requirements.
It’s important to note that, so far, engineers haven’t tested the system in a real scenario. While it works on the ground, it remains to be seen if it’ll work in space. They’ll need to do more testing on Earth to prepare for future testing in spacesuits. Only time will tell if this will become a reality.
Meanwhile, it’s also worth noting that NASA is also working on its own initiatives to filter urine and turn it into drinking water. An experiment last year showed that a system called the Environmental Control and Life Support System was able to recycle urine from tests by 98%.
This article was written by Javier Marquez and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.
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