Diagram of human-powered textile bladder linked to a reservoir water-treatment and flow-control system
Schematic showing the different elements of the astronaut laundry machine.

Astronaut-Powered Laundry Machine

  • by Andrew Arends

Problem Description 

Without a precedent for laundering clothes off-Earth, a preliminary solution is required to develop a spaceflight laundry machine. The researchers at the University of California, Davis, with support of the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity, aim to produce a method and proof-of-concept device to sustain laundering and exercise performance for any spaceflight mission. The proposed solution is a standalone machine that uses astronaut exercise to recycle contaminated textiles, reducing logistical strain on crew time and mission resupply while improving physiological health. Key hurdles to evaluate are the ability to treat laundry greywater, the exercise capability, and the laundry of the machine. Overcoming the hurdles benefits the spaceflight community and the communities of earth. The on-Earth benefits of this work may include reducing the amount of water used for terrestrial laundry and foreign contamination (e.g., detergent and micro-plastics) entering municipal water treatment plants.

Research Aims

To design a stand-alone machine that maintains exercise and laundry capability regardless of human operator, habitability configuration, and gravity environment.

Students Associated with Project

  • Andrew A. 
  • Noah B.

Associated Publications

Primary Category

Current

Secondary Categories

Humans & Spacecraft Human Systems Engineering