It might not seem as interesting as the recent delivery of the new room and viewing dome to the ISS by the shuttle Endeavor, but another arguably more important task accomplished by the shuttle crew was the rejuvenation of the water recovery system on board the space station, with the distillation assembly being refurbished and the fluids control pump assembly replaced.
And so what you might be saying?!
Well the significance is that our bodies consist roughly of two thirds water and thus a continual intake is vital for survival. You could live on average between 3 to 7 days without water (depending on environment) but as little as a 10% fluid loss is likely to prove fatal if not treated immediately.
And so what you might be saying?!
Well the significance is that our bodies consist roughly of two thirds water and thus a continual intake is vital for survival. You could live on average between 3 to 7 days without water (depending on environment) but as little as a 10% fluid loss is likely to prove fatal if not treated immediately.
Popping out to the shops to top up your supply is not an option on the ISS with it orbiting between 278 km (173 mi) and 460 km (286 mi) above the earth. Shipping water supplies up there is a costly process with each litre costing many thousands of pounds in transportation costs. And yet each crew member needs to be supplied with 2 litres of water each and every day, in addition to water needed for washing and sanitation.
Therefore a unit like the water recovery system becomes hugely significant for the long term success of not just the ISS, but also for future space missions such as those proposed to Mars. The aim is to capture and recycle every possible drop of water used on the space station, including that used for washing, shaving, teeth brushing, collection of sweat and water vapour collected from the the astronaut suits and the station atmosphere, plus, (and with the greatest yuk factor) the recycling of crew member urine!
The urine first of all goes through a distillation process before merging with the rest of the recovered fluids in the water processor. Solids such as hair are filtered out and then the liquids go through a series of multifiltration beds, removing contaminants through adsorption and ion exchange. Any left overs in the water like non absorbing organics and solvents go into a reactor that breaks them all down to carbon dioxide, water and a few ions. And as if by magic you once more have water fit to drink!
Fancy a cup?
Therefore a unit like the water recovery system becomes hugely significant for the long term success of not just the ISS, but also for future space missions such as those proposed to Mars. The aim is to capture and recycle every possible drop of water used on the space station, including that used for washing, shaving, teeth brushing, collection of sweat and water vapour collected from the the astronaut suits and the station atmosphere, plus, (and with the greatest yuk factor) the recycling of crew member urine!
The urine first of all goes through a distillation process before merging with the rest of the recovered fluids in the water processor. Solids such as hair are filtered out and then the liquids go through a series of multifiltration beds, removing contaminants through adsorption and ion exchange. Any left overs in the water like non absorbing organics and solvents go into a reactor that breaks them all down to carbon dioxide, water and a few ions. And as if by magic you once more have water fit to drink!
Fancy a cup?
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