Scientists built real-life “stillsuit” to recycle astronaut urine on space walks
What inspired Cornell University's prototype stillsuit?
Cornell University's prototype stillsuit was inspired by the full-body "stillsuits" from Frank Herbert's Dune series, which absorb and recycle sweat and urine into drinkable water. The design includes a vacuum-based external catheter leading to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit, providing a continuous supply of potable water with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure astronaut wellbeing.
How does the prototype stillsuit recycle urine?
The prototype stillsuit, designed by researchers from Cornell University, recycles urine through a two-step, integrated forward and reverse osmosis filtration system. The system uses a concentration gradient to remove water from urine and a pump to separate water from salt. The purified water is then enriched in electrolytes and pumped into the in-suit drink bag for consumption.
What are the core functions of Herbert's stillsuit design?
Herbert's stillsuit design serves as a high-efficiency filtration system that captures and recycles bodily fluids, such as sweat, urine, and breath, into drinkable water. It is essential for survival in the extremely arid climate of the desert planet Arrakis, allowing inhabitants to retain valuable moisture.