Revolutionary washing technology: Astronauts' mist-based, ozone-utilizing washing machine created by China
In a groundbreaking development for space exploration, a new washing machine has been designed to reduce the weight of clothing needed for space missions by over 60%. The device, which has been the subject of research at the Fraunhofer Institute, is set to revolutionise the way astronauts clean their clothes during long-term missions.
The washing machine, developed by the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, is a compact, cube-shaped machine, larger than a suitcase, and weighing 12 kg (26 lbs). It uses a unique water-recycling system that recycles 400ml of water per cycle to clean up to 800 grams of clothing. This is a significant improvement over the current methods, which rely on an advanced water recycling system that collects and purifies wastewater, prioritising it mostly for drinking and hygiene purposes.
Astronauts' clothes get dirty from sweat during their daily exercise, and the new washing machine addresses this issue by using a 30-minute cleaning cycle inside a sealed chamber. The machine produces ozone with ultraviolet light to disinfect clothes, sterilising them for up to five uses. This method requires almost no water, making it an ideal solution for space missions where every drop of water is carefully recycled on the space stations.
Simulations have shown a 99.9% sterilization rate for the new washing machine, and the device's design is well-suited for microgravity, preventing issues like pooling liquids and soapy wastewater. The researchers designed the system to last at least five years, with plans to build a prototype and improve efficiency for longer space missions.
The development of on-board laundry technology is essential for future long-term missions to the moon or Mars, as transporting water from Earth to space is incredibly expensive due to its weight and the energy required for launch. By reducing the amount of clothing that must be launched from Earth, this new washing machine can help make space missions more sustainable and cost-effective.
The China Astronaut Research and Training Centre has also developed a detergent-free washing machine, which uses mist and ozone to clean clothes. This innovation not only saves water but also eliminates the need for heavy detergent packets, further reducing the weight of supplies needed for space missions.
Water is a precious resource on the International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiangong space station, and the development of on-board laundry technology can help reduce the massive amount of clothing that must be launched from Earth for long-term space missions. The new washing machine, with its innovative design and water-saving capabilities, is a significant step forward in making space travel more sustainable and efficient.
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