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Real-life 'stillsuit': Dune-inspired upgrade for spacesuits allow astronauts to recycle urine into water (phys.org)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Astronauts on spacewalks famously have to relieve themselves inside their spacesuits. Not only is this uncomfortable for the wearer and unhygienic, it is also wasteful, as—unlike wastewater on board the International Space Station (ISS)—the water in urine from spacewalks is not recycled.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 month ago (5 children)

Why are they caring the whole purification plant on their backs?
Wouldn't it be easier to carry the collection part and exchange wastewater and drinking water with the station?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (4 children)

Good question but I guess it doesn't matter as much in space where you don't weigh as much.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Mass still costs energy to move around. Spacewalks already sound pretty strenuous. Adding any additional exertion seems like it would need a really good benefit to be worth the tradeoff.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Depends on the weight. It might be lighter and easier to work with than a collection unit and a water supply tank.

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