Spacesuits of the future: Cornell's innovation inspired by "Dune"

Space-related technologies are constantly evolving. Space agencies, led by NASA, are doing everything possible to enable trained astronauts to conquer the universe. Space flights are becoming increasingly popular, and private companies also want to send their personnel to places no one has been before. Scientists, however, are striving to improve rockets, satellites, and spacesuits.

Researchers from Cornell University drew inspiration from the "Dune" films and books. Scientists have created a spacesuit that strongly resembles "stillsuits". This invention can convert urine into drinking water in just five minutes. A prototype has been developed, but scientists hope that a fully functional spacesuit will be ready by 2030 for the NASA Artemis programme. The researchers' creation is expected to be helpful to astronauts during long spacewalks on the forthcoming moon expedition. The prototype is designed to collect urine, purify it, and provide it to the astronaut through a drinking tube. The entire process is expected to take about five minutes.

Sofia Etlin, a researcher from Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University and co-designer of the spacesuit, said in an interview with "The Guardian":

"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."

"Astronauts currently have only one litre of water available in their in-suit drink bags," she continues. "This is insufficient for the planned longer-lasting lunar spacewalks, which can last 10 hours, and even up to 24 hours in an emergency."

Professor Christopher Mason from Weill Cornell Medicine, the study's lead author, added:

"Even in the absence of a large desert planet, like in Dune, this is something that could be better for astronauts."

The modern spacesuit system consists of a silicone cup, which is shaped to fit both male and female genitalia. It is placed in underwear made of multiple layers of elastic fabric. The cup connects to a moisture-activated vacuum pump that automatically turns on when the astronaut starts to urinate. When collected by the vacuum pump, urine is transported to the filtration system, where it is processed into water with an efficiency of 87%. The filtration process uses osmosis to separate the water from the urine and a pump to separate the salt.

The purified water is enriched with electrolytes, allowing the astronaut to drink energy from their urine. The dimensions of the entire system are about 38 cm by 23 cm by 23 cm. The modern solution weighs 8 kg. The team of scientists plans to find and hire 100 volunteers in New York who will undertake tests of the spacesuit of the future. Professor Christopher Mason adds:

"These tests will ensure the system’s functionality and safety before it is deployed in actual space missions."