UAH Prototype 'Laundry Gun' Uses Cold Plasma for Waterless Space Sanitation
A new device from the University of Alabama in Huntsville uses charged particles to destroy bacteria on fabrics, eliminating the need for water on deep-space missions.
Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) have developed a prototype "laundry gun" that uses cold plasma to sanitize fabrics without water. Developed in collaboration with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the technology aims to solve a critical hygiene challenge for astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Led by Dr. Gabe Xu, the research team created a device that blasts a beam of charged particles into materials such as clothing and bedding. The device generates cold plasma using a mixture of air, helium, and water vapor. This plasma creates reactive oxygen species, including OH and O3, which destroy bacteria by oxidizing their lipid cell membranes. The current prototype produces a beam approximately the size of a pencil.
The Challenge of Space Hygiene
Maintaining cleanliness in microgravity is a significant logistical hurdle for NASA. Currently, space hygiene relies on a limited supply of clothing that astronauts wear for extended periods before the items are eventually discarded and burned in the atmosphere. Traditional laundry is impractical in enclosed habitats and microgravity environments because it requires large quantities of water and chemical detergents, both of which are precious resources in deep space.
Implications for Deep-Space Logistics
This waterless sanitation method could drastically reduce the mass of supplies required for interplanetary travel. By eliminating the need for heavy water reserves and detergents, NASA can allocate more payload capacity to scientific equipment and life support.
Beyond laundry, the underlying plasma science has broader implications for mission sustainability. The researchers suggest the technology could eventually be applied to water purification, air revitalization, waste processing, and even space agriculture to assist in plant growth. As Dr. Gabe Xu noted, the primary goal is to reduce the microbial load on soft surfaces to protect astronaut health.
Future Development
While the current prototype is functional, the team is working on scaling the technology for practical use. Future iterations are expected to increase the device's size to roughly that of a soda can. Additionally, researchers plan to integrate an ozone filtration system to ensure the safety of the habitat's air supply during operation.