Alabama Researchers Develop Cold Plasma 'Laundry Gun' for Astronauts
A handheld device using ionized gas could eliminate the need for astronauts to discard clothing during long-term space missions.
Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) have developed a proof-of-concept handheld "laundry gun" designed to sanitize fabrics using cold plasma. The device offers a potential solution to one of the most mundane yet critical logistical challenges of space travel: keeping clothing clean without the use of water.
Led by Dr. Gabe Xu, the device functions by blasting a beam of ionized gas—composed of helium, air, and water vapor—onto clothing and soft surfaces to kill bacteria and microbes. The gun utilizes a high-voltage power source to create a room-temperature plasma jet. This process generates reactive oxygen species, including ozone, which induce fatal oxidative stress in bacteria, effectively sterilizing the fabric. While the current proof-of-concept beam is approximately the size of a pencil, researchers plan to scale the device to the size of a soda can in future iterations, adding a filtration system to prevent the release of harmful ozone into the spacecraft cabin.
The Logistics of Space Laundry
Traditional laundry is currently impossible aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The risks associated with loose water damaging sensitive electronics, combined with a lack of ventilation for chemical cleaning agents in a closed-loop environment, make standard washing machines non-viable. As a result, astronauts often wear items, such as underwear, for extended periods before discarding them. These garments are typically sent back to Earth in cargo ships, where they burn up in the atmosphere upon reentry.
Implications for Deep Space Exploration
As NASA and other agencies prepare for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, mass efficiency becomes a critical factor. Every kilogram of payload increases launch costs and fuel requirements. By utilizing the spacecraft's own air and water vapor to generate plasma, this technology reduces the need to transport heavy cleaning chemicals or massive quantities of replacement clothing.
Beyond logistics, the device addresses significant health concerns. Fabrics in closed environments can become breeding grounds for bacteria, posing a risk to crew health. According to Gabe Xu, an aerospace engineer at UAH, the technology will reduce the microbial load and keep clothes and other soft surfaces clean for astronaut health. Furthermore, the ability to sanitize fabrics would allow future space habitats to incorporate more comfortable, soft furnishings that were previously too difficult to maintain.
Future Development
While the proof-of-concept demonstrates the efficacy of cold plasma in killing microbes, the transition to a flight-ready tool will require further refinement. The primary focus for upcoming iterations will be the integration of filtration systems to ensure cabin air quality remains safe. Researchers will also need to verify the long-term effects of repeated plasma exposure on various fabric types to ensure the "laundry gun" does not degrade the structural integrity of astronaut gear over time.