Reclamation of Space Mission Water

For long duration exploratory space missions, reclamation of water for potable and hygiene uses from waste water is of vital importance. Approximatesly 230 kg of waste water are generated from four person crew during course of normal daily activities. Physicochemical methods presently in place (e.g. phase change and/or membrane processes) reduce total organic carbon (TOC) to 30-300 mg/liter. Compact Membrane Systems (CMS) will introduce a novel passive membrane polishing system to remove most of remaining TOC. In Phase I, CMS will first fabricate this innovative polishing system for laboratory use and demonstrate removal of typical organics (e.g. ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol) from 5000 mg/liter to 500 mg/liter. CMS will also develop key basic data associated with membrane transport, system design, and energy consumption to provide key economic evaluation for Phase II optimization. With no moving parts and projected enhanced performance compared to existing systems, CMS system should provide significant value for waste water clean-up. CMS has large commercial partners in other membrane applications. Once CMS demonstrated feasibility in Phase I we are well positioned to work with these partners in Phase II in subsequent NASA and non-NASA commercial areas.