When science fiction becomes reality! Dune-inspired spacesuit transforms astronauts' urine into drinking water within minutes
- The spacesuit is inspired by the 'stillsuits' featured in the Dune franchise
- It features a filtration system that recycles urine into drinking water in minutes
The idea of drinking your own urine might sound like a survival technique promoted by Bear Grylls.
But it could soon become a reality for astronauts, thanks to a new Dune-inspired spacesuit.
The spacesuit is the brainchild of researchers from Cornell University and features a futuristic device that can recycle urine into drinking water.
While the suit is still a prototype, it could be a godsend for astronauts, who are currently forced to relieve themselves inside their spacesuits during long spacewalks.
'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, first author of the study.
The idea of drinking your own urine might sound like a survival technique promoted by Bear Grylls . But it could soon become a reality for astronauts, thanks to a new Dune-inspired spacesuit
The researchers turned to the Dune franchise, which features full-body 'stillsuits' that can absorb and purify water lost through sweating and urination
On board the International Space Station, astronauts can urinate by strapping themselves to a toilet, which features a suction system.
There, their urine can also be collected and recycled into drinkable water.
However, during lengthy spacewalks, astronauts are currently forced to wear large nappies known as maximum absorbency garments (MAGs).
This is not only uncomfortable, but is also wasteful, as the urine cannot be recycled.
'The MAG has reportedly leaked and caused health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress,' Dr Etlin explained.
'Additionally, astronauts currently have only one liter of water available in their in-suit drink bags.
'This is insufficient for the planned, longer-lasting lunar spacewalks, which can last ten hours, and even up to 24 hours in an emergency.'
In the hopes of combatting this issue, the researchers turned to the Dune franchise, which features full-body 'stillsuits' that can absorb and purify water lost through sweating and urination.
With these stillsuits in their minds as inspiration, the researchers designed a urine collective device.
The device includes a flexible undergarment and connects to a silicone collection cup, which fits around the genitalia
Despite being fairly complex, the system measures just 38 x 23 x 23cm and weighs around 17lbs (8kg), which makes it the ideal size to fit in a backpack
The device includes a flexible undergarment and connects to a silicone collection cup, which fits around the genitalia.
The inner face of the collection cup is lined with a polyester microfiber and draws urine away from the body.
An RFID tag, linked to an absorbent hydrogel, reacts to moisture by activating a vacuum pump, which swiftly sucks up the urine.
Once the urine has been collected, it's diverted to a filtration system which removes the water from the urine.
The purified water is then enriched with electrolytes and pumped into an in-suit drink bag, which astronauts can drink from.
Now that the prototype (pictured) is ready, the researchers hope to soon test it with real astronauts
According to the team, collecting and purifying 500ml of urine takes just five minutes.
Despite being fairly complex, the system measures just 38 x 23 x 23cm and weighs around 17lbs (8kg), which makes it the ideal size to fit in a backpack.
Now that the prototype is ready, the researchers hope to soon test it with real astronauts.
Dr Christopher Mason, lead author of the study, said: 'Our system can be tested in simulated microgravity conditions, as microgravity is the primary space factor we must account for.
'These tests will ensure the system's functionality and safety before it is deployed in actual space missions.'
