Share this @internewscast.com

That’s one giant leak for mankind.

The good folks at NASA have invented a system in which both astronaut urine and sweat are made into safe drinking water while up and away in the final frontier of space.

“The team acknowledges that the idea of drinking recycled urine might make some people squeamish,” according to the space agency. “But they stress that the end result is far superior to what municipal water systems produce on the ground.”

Currently being tested onboard the International Space Station, the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) “recovers water from urine using vacuum distillation.”

From there, the system “produces water and a urine brine that still contains some reclaimable water” as it undergoes another processor to “extract” the remaining wastewater.

After more filtration, the extract becomes cleared for liftoff to be re-consumed by the crew.


NASA has created a filtration system that makes urine and sweat safe to drink.
NASA has created a filtration system that makes urine and sweat safe to drink.
NASA

As for sweat and moisture from astronauts’ breath, a device called the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) operates in a similar fashion.

The new strategy — sure to aid deep space exploration — is saving 98% of NASA’s water goal and “is a very important step forward in the evolution of life support systems,” said Christopher Brown, a life support specialist at the Johnson Space Center.

“Let’s say you collect 100 pounds of water on the station. You lose two pounds of that and the other 98% just keeps going around and around,” he said. “Keeping that running is a pretty awesome achievement.”


The filtration system is able to save a bulk of reusable water on board the ISS.
The filtration system is able to save a bulk of reusable water on board the ISS.
NASA

After all, each crew member on board needs about a gallon of water per day for their daily routines and meals, according to NASA.

“The crew is not drinking urine; they are drinking water that has been reclaimed, filtered and cleaned such that it is cleaner than what we drink here on Earth,” said Jill Williamson, subsystem manager of the space station’s Environmental Control and Life Support System.

“We have a lot of processes in place and a lot of ground testing to provide confidence that we are producing clean, potable water.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DHS shutdown: TSA agents will soon be paid but it may not mean immediate relief at airport security lines

Impending TSA Pay: Why Airport Security Delays Might Persist Despite DHS Shutdown Resolution

Amid the bustling spring break travel season, airline passengers continued to endure…
Newly emerged video shows Noelia Castillo's father cheering her on as she tried to walk

Heartwarming Moment: Noelia Castillo’s Father Encourages Her First Steps in Viral Video

A heart-wrenching video has surfaced, capturing the poignant moment when Noelia Castillo,…
Chris Murphy roasted for pics with Jimmy Kimmel thousands of miles from home state

Senator Chris Murphy Faces Criticism for Photos with Jimmy Kimmel Taken Far from Home State

WASHINGTON — Goodbye, Connecticut, at least for now. Senator Chris Murphy of…
US military sends drones, alongside 200 troops, to Nigeria amid fears of renewed Boko Haram insurgency

US Bolsters Defense Against Boko Haram: Drones and 200 Troops Deployed to Nigeria

In response to rising concerns about a possible resurgence of the terrorist…
Report: FBI Wants Documents on Swalwell and 'Fang Fang' Released

FBI Seeks Public Release of Documents Tied to Eric Swalwell and Alleged Chinese Spy ‘Fang Fang

FBI Director Kash Patel is urging the release of investigative files related…
Two gas India-flagged gas tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz

India’s Gas Giants: Navigating the Strategic Strait of Hormuz

Amid escalating tensions in the region, two additional tankers flying the Indian…
Hollywood Boulevard Cinema in Woodridge, Illinois auctions movie memorabilia to make way for renovation

Woodridge’s Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Hosts Unique Auction for Movie Memorabilia Ahead of Renovation

WOODRIDGE, Ill. (WLS) — In a bid to secure its future, a…
’90 Day Fiance’ alum’s boyfriend beats Boca Bash attempted murder case he rips as ‘ridiculous’

’90 Day Fiance’ Star’s Boyfriend Acquitted in Boca Bash Attempted Murder Case, Calls Charges ‘Ridiculous’

In a dramatic turn of events, a Florida man has walked free…
Pentagon preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran: report

Pentagon Strategizes Extended Ground Operations in Iran: Report Reveals Weeks-Long Military Preparation

According to a recent report, the Pentagon is gearing up for an…
Houston airport travelers reveal who they blame for TSA lines

Travelers Point Fingers: Who’s Really to Blame for Houston Airport’s TSA Delays?

Travelers expressed frustration with both political parties as they faced the daunting…
Violent 'No Kings' protesters descend on downtown Los Angeles

Protesters Rally in Downtown Los Angeles Against Monarchy Concepts

In a dramatic display of civil unrest, hundreds of demonstrators engaged in…
JFK & RFK 'would be making the same kinds of choices' on Iran, Ukraine as 'empath' Trump: RFK Jr.

RFK Jr. Claims JFK and RFK Would Align with Trump’s Decisions on Iran and Ukraine

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred conversation by suggesting that…