Puerto Rico's Water Purification System Tested on ISS: A Leap for Space and Earth

A water purification system developed at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (RUM), is currently undergoing testing on the International Space Station (ISS) after launching on March 14th as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The system, designed to recycle urine, utilizes nano-structured polymeric membranes to separate water from contaminants. According to Dr. David Suleiman Rosado, director of the Chemical Engineering Department at RUM, the technology offers a simpler, more energy-efficient alternative to the ISS's current distillation-based system. The experiment involves astronauts placing cartridges containing the membranes into a pump-like system, simulating fluid movement between cells for two hours. The goal is to compare membrane performance in microgravity versus Earth conditions, potentially leading to applications in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and providing potable water to communities with limited access. The system could also allow for the capture of contaminants for use as plant fertilizers, and the production of oxygen, which are all vital for sustainable environments. Results are expected soon after the cartridges return to Earth for analysis.