Multi-Component Remediation System for Generating Potable Water Onboard Spacecrafts

Fractal Systems Inc. proposes to develop an innovative, energy-efficient water purification system to enable humans to live and work permanently in space. Water recovery in space is essential to produce potable and hygienic water from wastewater generated onboard spacecraft. In phase I, we will demonstrate feasibility of a new and highly efficient method that will combine several technologies based on high surface area nanoparticles in one compact, portable filtration/remediation system for generating potable water. In Phase I, we will fabricate, characterize and test each component with respect to its remediation efficiency. The proposed effort is based on in-house work and developed devices. This effort will be conducted in collaboration with academia and industry partners to achieve a viable technology that will be developed further in Phase II and result in a complete system as a Phase II deliverable, which will be used by our industrial partner, a water purification company, for commercialization purposes. Our purification system will be easy to handle, very cost effective and free from chemical by-products.

Commercial applications for the proposed multi-component filtration/remediation system includes purification in private wells, camp grounds, hotels, bottlers, aquaculture, hospitals, food, cottages, restaurants, breweries, water systems, laboratories, marine, pharmaceutical, dairies and many other places.

The proposed multi-component filtration/remediation system will be the most ecological way of generating drinking water from wastewater generated by spacecraft crew. Our compact and portable water purification system will be simple, inexpensive and creates no by-products. Such a system will be ideal for recycling wastewater generated by humans in space.

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.

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