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New spacesuits can turn wee into water

Astronaut surrounded by yellow and blue dropletsImage source, Getty Images

Astronauts get to have experiences that are actually out of this world but there's something they have to do just like the rest of us - and that's go to the toilet.

On the International Space Station their wee is recycled, but that's not the case on space walks. This can make it uncomfortable and unhygienic for them.

Now new technology has been developed by researchers at Cornell University that could help them go further on their walks.

It's a suit that recycles wee and turns it into water. It's hoped it could be ready in time for use in the Nasa Artemis missions.

How do astronauts go to the toilet in space?

Image source, Claire Walter

At the moment, on space walks astronauts have to wear something that's like an adult nappy.

This nappy, called a Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG), can last up to eight hours. But wearing them for a long time can cause problems for the astronauts, like infections.

Before space walks astronauts limit the amount of food they eat, or have a special diet, before going out so there's less waste going into the MAG.

The walks take up a lot of energy and are physically demanding, so it's a time when they should be eating more.

What will the new spacesuit do?

Image source, Karen Morales

The device collects the wearer's wee and filters it using a process called osmosis, which is the movement of water molecules.

A modified MAG takes the wee away from the astronaut and collects it through a silicone cup.

A vacuum pump is then triggered by a sensor that detects the urine.

The liquid is put into a filtration system, which removes water from it.

Electrolytes, which are essential minerals, are added to the purified water and it's returned to the drink bag in the suit.

Astronauts currently have one litre of water for these walks, but this suit means it can be recycled, so they'll always have fluid to drink.

Collecting and purifying 500ml of urine takes around five minutes - so it's a quick process.