Space & Astronomy

Real-life Dune 'stillsuit' can turn urine into drinkable water

By T.K. Randall
July 12, 2024 ·  5 comments

Artist's impression of the Fremen. Image Credit: YouTube / Astronimation / CC BY 3.0 In Frank Herbert's Dune and its various adaptations, the Fremen people who reside on the planet Arakis wear special 'stillsuits' capable of converting sweat and urine into drinkable water.

Now, scientists have created a spacesuit that is capable of doing much the same thing, bringing what was once a fantastical science-fiction concept into the real world.

At present, waste water aboard the International Space Station is recycled, but when astronauts are out on a spacewalk - something that can take several hours - they have to wear adult diapers.

This is obviously not ideal and many astronauts restrict their food and fluid intake before actually embarking on a spacewalk in order to avoid having to need to go while outside.With the new stillsuit, however, this wouldn't be anywhere near as much of a problem.

Designed by researchers at Cornell University, the new suit - made from multiple layers of flexible fabric - uses specially designed collection mechanisms lined with polyester microfibers.

The urine is then passed through a filtration system which turns it into drinkable water within minutes.

Although the system adds a little bit of extra weight, it would enable an astronaut to spend much longer outside during particularly lengthy spacewalks.

"We believe that the increased comfort and resource efficiency provided by the system will more than make up for the slightly increased bulk," the study authors wrote.

Source: Ars Technica | Comments (5)

Tags: Astronaut, Spacesuit