Chinese researchers have unveiled a revolutionary waterless washing machine designed to tackle the challenge of laundry in the environment of space. This innovative system, which employs steam, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) light for cleaning, promises to enhance hygiene and sustainability on long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Limited water supplies and the absence of conventional washing machines have forced astronauts to wear clothing until it becomes unusable, after which it is often discarded and incinerated upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. This is reported by
Tabnak, a partner of TV BRICS.
This new compact washing machine, developed by researchers at a Chinese astronaut research and training centre, offers a groundbreaking solution. Approximately the size of a small suitcase and weighing just 12 kg, the device uses a combination of steam and ozone, rather than water-intensive methods, to effectively clean clothing.
The system requires just 400 ml of water per cycle. Tiny water vapour droplets are sprayed onto the garments, followed by ozone to disinfect and sterilise them. The cleaning cycle takes only 30 minutes and achieves a sterilisation rate of 99.9 per cent.
Experts believe that the waterless washing machine has the potential to significantly reduce the need for extensive wardrobe supplies and the associated transport costs during long-term space missions. The technology could potentially reduce the weight of mission-required clothing by more than 60 per cent, a critical advantage for prolonged voyages like those planned for the Moon and Mars.
Photo: gorodenkoff /
iStock
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