Some Chinese astronauts on Chinese Tiangong Space Station (Image source: China Manned Space Agency; cropped)
A team of Chinese researchers has proposed a solution to dirty laundry in space — a compact washing machine that uses an ultra-fine mist and ozone to clean clothes. This new device could reduce the weight of clothing needed for missions by over 60%.
Researchers at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center have designed a compact, detergent-free washing machine. The researchers plan to solve the problem of dirty laundry faced by astronauts in space. Water is a precious resource on space stations as it is costly to launch water to space, so most of the water used by astronauts is recycled water. Astronauts currently wear their clothes until they are dirty and then discard them in cargo ships that burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
This washing machine — detailed in the Chinese Journal of Space Science — is a cube-shaped device slightly larger than a suitcase, weighing about 12 kilograms (26 lbs). The machine cleans clothes inside a sealed chamber in 30-minute cycles.
It first sprays an ultra-fine mist on the clothing inside, using only 400 milliliters of water. Then it uses ultraviolet light to produce ozone, which sterilizes the clothing. Finally, it uses heated air to break down the remaining ozone gas while drying the materials at the same time. According to the researchers, the system showed a 99.9% sterilization rate in simulations, making the clothes safe for up to 5 wears.
If this concept comes to fruition, astronauts will be able to wash their clothes in space. This could reduce the total weight of clothing that needs to be launched on space missions by over 60%. The researchers say their next target is to build a working prototype of the machine.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 165 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.