2024-07-13 03:43:00
Astronauts encounter challenges during spacewalks – such as a lack of water. Now researchers have developed a suit that could solve the problem.
Spacewalks sound almost comfortable in theory – but they are one of the most dangerous tasks for astronauts. In technical terms, these missions are called extra-vehicular activities (EVA), and they always involve a certain amount of risk.
The astronauts go into space protected only by a spacesuit. However, longer space missions, which may take place in the future, would require more advanced suits. And a research team at Cornell University in the US state of New York now claims to have developed these.
The main problem with current space suits is that astronauts cannot drink enough water during an external mission. This is partly due to the limited water supply – the 1-liter drinking bag only lasts for a certain amount of time, which makes longer missions impossible. And what you take in has to be expelled from your body at another time.
The scientists at Cornell University were inspired by the sci-fi classic “Dune” for the new space suit. In order to survive on the desert planet, people there wear a “stillsuit” that can convert sweat and urine into drinking water. The researchers wanted to realize this vision.
In the new system, urine is collected via an external catheter and filtered using FO-RO osmosis to produce drinking water. Forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO) are water treatment processes. The urine collection device (UCD) will be designed differently for male and female astronauts. A moisture sensor will activate the collection of urine via a vacuum pump.
In addition, a modified design made of flexible compression material and antimicrobial fabric will be used instead of the MAGs. This should solve the hygiene problems and at the same time provide sufficient drinking water for the astronauts.
As innovative as this project is, the new suits are not yet ready for use. Further research and tests – including test runs in zero gravity – are now required, the scientists explain.