← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
NASA’s Life Support and Habitation Systems Focus Area seek key capabilities and technology solutions that enable extended human presence in deep space and on planetary surfaces such as the moon and Mars, including Orion, ISS, Gateway, Artemis, and Human Landing Systems. One of the critical technological gaps listed includes clothing washer/dryer combination for use on the moon (1/6g) or Mars (1/3g) that can clean up to 4.5kg of cotton, polyester, and wool clothing in less than 7 hours using <50kg machine mass, <0.3m3 external machine volume and 40W to approximately 120W electrical power. The P.I. invented the transformative “direct contact ultrasonic drying” back in 2015 at ORNL and improved the technology over five years. In 2020, the lead inventor decided to leave ORNL and focus on the commercialization of this technology at UTS and further improving it. UTS exclusively licensed this platform technology from ORNL. Our team demonstrated five times higher drying energy efficiency for clothing (1/5th of the energy input) and two times faster drying rates compared to the state-of-the-art residential clothes dryers. Here, we are proposing to develop a transformative combo washing and drying machine for space application where the ultrasonic components are the backbone of the technology. We are proposing to use mechanical washing methods using ultrasonic cleaners for the washing cycle. Also, we are going to use our direct contact ultrasonic drying for the drying cycle. For a single garment, a 30×40×10cm assembly weighing less than 5kg should be able to wash and dry a pair of jeans in 6-12 minutes with an average power draw of 40 Watts during the wash cycle and 30-200 Watts during the drying cycle.
The improvement in human comfort will be essential for the future of space missions. The more Earth-like conditions we can create in space life, the more opportunities we will have to explore space beyond Earth life possibilities. In addition to improved sanitation, hygiene, and comfort of the astronaut’s clothing, the proposed technology can result in significant weight savings from reductions in discarded clothing.
UTS intends to further develop the technology for consumer use on Earth. One of the direct markets for such a tabletop size product will be for student housing, dorms, rental properties, hotels, and hospitals. Another niche market for such a product will be personal use in hotels, vacation homes, mobile devices and battery powered systems to be used outdoor.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.