NASA STEM Stars: Sub-Systems Manager | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn about the water filtration system on the International Space Station and how urine is turned into clean drinking water for the astronauts.

Key Insights

• 💦 Water filtration is crucial on the International Space Station to sustain life, as supplies cannot be frequently resupplied.
• 🤽 The urine processor assembly plays a significant role in the water reclamation system by removing water from urine through a condensation process.
• 👾 The reclaimed water on the space station is very clean and undergoes multiple filtration steps to ensure it is safe for drinking.
• 👾 The water filtration system on the space station is constantly being improved and updated to make it more efficient and reliable.
• 🥺 Students are encouraged to explore opportunities and not be afraid to take on challenges, as it can lead to personal and professional growth.
• 🤗 Dr. Jill Williamson shares her journey to NASA, highlighting the importance of following one's passions and being open to new experiences.
• 💦 Students are challenged to create their own water filtration system using household supplies and share their designs on social media.

Transcript

seven bands are you ready let's hear it for the world class NASA stem stars team from NASA centers across the country we present Jim Williamson [Applause] hello and welcome to the next episode of NASA stem stars my name is Adeline dine Hart and I am here with dr. Joe Williamson and today we are going to talk to you about water filtration on the Int... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the urine processor assembly on the International Space Station work?

The urine processor assembly uses a one-step process to remove water from urine, essentially boiling it away and then condensing it on a cold surface. This process is similar to condensation on a glass of ice water.

Q: Is the reclamation process different for all sources of water on the space station?

The reclamation process is similar for all sources of water on the space station, as long as the water is relatively clean. However, urine needs to be pre-treated before it can be processed.

Q: How clean is the water that is reclaimed and used for drinking on the space station?

The reclaimed water is very clean, even cleaner than tap water on Earth. It is similar to distilled water that can be bought at grocery stores. However, additional steps are taken to ensure the water is safe to drink, such as removing microbial control agents.

Q: How many times can the water or urine be recycled on the space station?

The water can be recycled indefinitely as long as the filters are replaced periodically. The filters capture particles and contaminants, which need to be replaced when they become full.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Jill Williamson, located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, discusses water filtration on the International Space Station.

• The water reclamation system on the space station is crucial as supplies cannot be constantly resupplied, and all sources of water need to be recycled and reclaimed.

• The urine processor assembly plays a key role in water reclamation, using a multi-step process that includes filtration and microbial control.