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Regenerative water purification for space applications: Needs, challenges, and technologies towards 'closing the
Melanie T Pickett1, Luke B Roberson2, Jorge L Calabria3
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States; NASA, Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL, United States.
Developing closed-loop life support systems is crucial for long-duration space missions. This research surveys technologies for regenerative water purification, essential for future space habitats on the Moon and Mars.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration technology
- Environmental engineering
- Life support systems
Background:
- Future human missions to the Moon and Mars necessitate advanced life support systems (LSS).
- Current International Space Station (ISS) systems are not fully closed-loop, requiring resupply.
- Organic waste is currently discarded, representing a loss of critical recoverable elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey potential technologies for next-generation regenerative water purification in space.
- To identify technologies suitable for completely closed-loop extraplanetary LSS.
- To provide data for down-selecting technologies for integration testing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and survey of candidate water purification technologies.
- Analysis of technology inputs, outputs, and requirements.
- Assessment of biological, physical, and chemical purification methods.
Main Results:
- Identified various water purification technologies with associated advantages and disadvantages.
- Highlighted the potential for closed-loop systems to recover critical elements from waste.
- Emphasized the need for complementary subsystems for optimal resource recovery.
Conclusions:
- Completely closed-loop water purification systems are essential for sustainable long-duration space missions.
- Extraplanetary LSS provides a unique incentive for developing fully regenerative systems.
- Strategic implementation of diverse, complementary technologies is key to minimizing consumables and maximizing recovery in space habitats.
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