Issued patent
Contaminated Water Treatment
An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.
About this technology
Overview
Scientists at NASA Ames have developed a method and system that offers a novel way of processing and recycling of liquids to remove contaminants. Space exploration requires a life-support system that sustains astronauts on journeys lasting from a few days to several weeks or longer. The life-support system must be designed to reduce the mass required to keep humans alive in space. Water accounts for about 80 percent of a humans daily mass intake. As a result, recycling water, including urine, offers a high return on investment for space exploration missions as well as increasing mission safety. It provides an emergency supply of drinking water, when other sources are exhausted or contaminated.