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Disruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment: The New Promise of Graphene

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

Advances in graphene may help close a large consumable gap in spacecraft water recovery systems. This project is investigating novel graphene materials for use in high-capacity water contaminant removal devices. The new graphene materials are expected to far outperform the state-of-the-art filtration media with the possibility to last entire missions.

Benefits

The development of new graphene-based composite materials is expected to provide enhanced microbial and chemical removal efficiency in spacecraft flow through filtration systems with the possibility of lasting entire mission lifecycles. If successful, advancement in the technology is anticipated to have benefits for water processing and reuse for both Earth and Space.

Details

Technology areaHuman Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: JSC CIF (JSC CIF)
Lead organizationJohnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date2023-10-01
End date2024-09-30

Project contacts

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How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

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