Astronauts will finally be able to drink their own urine during spacewalks

Venturing outside the International Space Station (ISS) is a complex task for astronauts, made even more difficult by the natural needs of the human body. Until now, astronauts have worn disposable diapers, called maximum absorbency garments (MAGs), to manage their urinary needs during spacewalks. However, a new urine collection and recycling system could transform this practice and significantly improve astronaut comfort and health.

The Limits of Maximum Urine Absorption Clothing

MAGs were developed in the 1980s to enable astronauts to relieve themselves while remaining on a mission. These garments absorb and store urine, allowing astronauts to concentrate on their tasks without interruption. However, spacewalks can last until eight o’clockwhich can make MAGs uncomfortable and lead to risks of skin irritation and infections. Additionally, MAGs do not recycle the water contained in urine, requiring astronauts to carry a Integrated 0.95 litre drinks baga limited quantity for such long missions. Therefore, there is a need to develop other approaches. Rapid elimination of urine from astronauts’ bodies could indeed reduce health complications such as rashes, urinary tract infections and digestive disorders. In addition, the overall increase in water intake through this system would allow astronauts to stay better hydrated. New urine recycling technologies developed recently aim to solve these problems. Scientists have indeed developed a lightweight system capable of collecting and purifying about 500 milliliters of water from urine in just five minutes. This system could be integrated directly into the spacesuit, providing a more hygienic and efficient solution. The team described their new device in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Space Technology

An innovative system to meet the challenges of space exploration

This new urine management system includes an undergarment made from a soft compression material lined with antimicrobial fabric. A moisture sensor in a silicone cup under the genitals detects urine and triggers a vacuum pump. The pump draws the urine into a filtration device worn on the astronaut’s back. The filter, which measures approximately 38 centimeters high and 23 centimeters wide and weighs 8 kilograms, transforms urine into drinking water. This water can then be directed to the spacesuit’s drinking bag. Initial laboratory tests have shown that this device is effective in removing the main components of urine and reducing its salt content. It thus complies with health standards.
Side view of the new backpack-style urine filtration device (left) and the undergarment that would be worn by astronauts (right). Credit: Karen Morales/Claire Walter The research team has yet to verify the effectiveness of the device under microgravity conditionssimilar to those encountered in space. If the ground tests are conclusive, the system could be tested during real spacewalks from the ISS. This could represent a significant advance for long-term missionssuch as future trips to the Moon or Mars, where efficient management of resources, including water, is crucial.