The International Space Station (ISS) produces water primarily through a sophisticated system that recovers water from wastewater and the crew's breath and sweat.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Water Recovery System (WRS): The core of water production on the ISS is the WRS, which is part of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).
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Wastewater Collection: The WRS collects various forms of wastewater, including:
- Urine
- Hygiene water (water used for washing)
- Condensate from cabin air (humidity from breath and sweat)
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Water Processor Assembly (WPA): The collected wastewater is then processed by the WPA.
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Water Production: The WPA uses a multi-stage process to purify the water:
- Filtration: Removes solid particles and other contaminants.
- Distillation: Separates water from remaining impurities through evaporation and condensation.
- Oxidation: Breaks down organic contaminants.
- Iodination: Adds iodine to prevent microbial growth and ensure the water is safe for drinking.
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Humidity Recovery: Specialized dehumidifiers are used to capture moisture released into the cabin air by the crew's respiration and perspiration. This is a crucial component of water recovery as it significantly reduces the amount of water that needs to be transported from Earth.
In summary, the ISS recycles water from multiple sources within the spacecraft, making it a self-sustaining ecosystem with regards to water management and conservation. This system minimizes the need for resupply missions to bring water from Earth.
