MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
At the IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and a pioneering astronaut, shared his insights into one of the most critical challenges of space exploration: managing water in the extreme conditions of space.
Dr. Al Neyadi explained that sending just one litre of water to space - equivalent to one kilogram - can cost up to $10,000. To address this, "we recycle almost every drop of water," he said, noting that up to 93% of water on the International Space Station (ISS) is recycled.
However, this process comes with significant technical hurdles.
Water on the International Space Station (ISS) is reused through a closed-loop system that includes a process called electrolysis, which splits water into oxygen and hydrogen. While hydrogen is used for breathing, the oxygen is vented out into space.
Maintaining such a system in a microgravity environment is a complex operation, according to Dr. Al Neyadi.
He pointed out the risk of microbial growth in the closed-loop system, which requires constant monitoring and filtration.
Additionally, water behaves differently in microgravity; it doesn't flow like it does on Earth, Dr. Al Neyadi explained. To overcome this, artificial pressure and circulation systems - powered by electricity - are used to move water through pumps and centrifuges.
Creative Water Conservation Strategies in Space
Dr. Al Neyadi also shared some of the creative strategies astronauts employ to conserve water while aboard the ISS.
"We have to be mindful of our water usage, just like we do on Earth," he explained. For instance, astronauts recycle sweat, condensation and even the water from their breath.
Dr. Al Neyadi noted that any liquid - whether it's perspiration or spilled coffee - can be absorbed with a towel, which is then dried overnight in the dry air of the space station. The water in the towel is purified and returned to the system, maintaining the closed-loop recycling process.
Innovations for Long-Term Space Exploration
Dr. Al Neyadi also discussed the exciting potential for further advancements in water recycling technology.
Researchers are currently exploring systems that could enable astronauts to extract water from the lunar regolith or Martian ice. One method being tested involves heating the regolith to produce condensation, he said.
These innovations could allow astronauts to generate their own water resources on distant planets, significantly reducing the need to transport water from Earth and ensuring greater self-sufficiency during extended missions, he added.