ECLSS Saves Every Drop
References: science.nasa.gov & sciam
You better believe that headline is true! In an effort to make the most of every drop of water taken to space, NASA has found a way to maximize and recycle each and ever drop of fluid excreted from the human body, from sweat to urine.
The Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is so sophisticated that it can even trap water molecules from the breath of astronauts for re-use.
"For the purposes of spaceflight or a space station, a water-recovery system collects urine from the astronauts and condensation from the cabin air and, through a series of chemical treatments and filters, turns that moisture into drinkable water," Scientific American said.
"At this point, the water-recovery systems NASA is developing are capable of capturing up to 85 percent of the water in urine. Including the purified condensation, NASA scientists are able to retrieve 92 percent of waste moisture produced during a space mission."
For now, this is an invention geared at astronauts, but if we continue to abuse our natural water resources, we too may one day be re-drinking our own pee. If that's not enough to motivate people to cut down shower time, I don't know what is.
The Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is so sophisticated that it can even trap water molecules from the breath of astronauts for re-use.
"For the purposes of spaceflight or a space station, a water-recovery system collects urine from the astronauts and condensation from the cabin air and, through a series of chemical treatments and filters, turns that moisture into drinkable water," Scientific American said.
"At this point, the water-recovery systems NASA is developing are capable of capturing up to 85 percent of the water in urine. Including the purified condensation, NASA scientists are able to retrieve 92 percent of waste moisture produced during a space mission."
For now, this is an invention geared at astronauts, but if we continue to abuse our natural water resources, we too may one day be re-drinking our own pee. If that's not enough to motivate people to cut down shower time, I don't know what is.
Trend Themes
1. Water Recycling - There is a need to recycle and optimize the use of water resources, not only in space missions but also here on Earth.
2. Environmental Control Systems - There is a growing demand for sophisticated systems that can purify and repurpose waste materials into useful resources.
3. Sustainable Technologies - The development of sustainable technologies that can reduce waste and maximize resource utilization is becoming increasingly important in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Space Exploration - Innovations in environmental control systems, such as ECLSS, are needed to sustain space exploration and future missions beyond Earth.
2. Water Treatment and Purification - The water and wastewater treatment industry can benefit from sustainable technologies that can reduce waste and optimize resource utilization.
3. Renewable Energy - Sustainable technologies that can reduce waste and maximize resource utilization can also be adapted for renewable energy industries, such as solar and wind power.
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