A Novel Cleaning Technology for Spacecraft Habitat

There is currently no space based laundry technology. Traditional laundry uses a large amount of surfactants, which results in a substantial organic contaminant burden on downstream wastewater processors. Using cleaning wipes to clean crew contacted surface also generates solid wastes. In this project, based on its success on high performance superhydrophobic and antimicrobial coatings, nGimat proposes to develop a novel cleaning technology, which can be applied onto a wide range of crew contacted surfaces and fabrics. The proposed effort by nGimat will create functional surfaces via CCVD so that surfactants are no longer needed to clean and much less solid wastes will be generated. In the meanwhile, the technology will also provide a cleaning pad to collect and hold the cleaning water/solution and dust for easy recycling and regeneration of cleaning water in microgravity environment, which will significantly reduce resource and energy usage and improve comfortableness and safety of the space habitats.

The proposed technology could find direct use in NASA's space habitats for long human missions, in microgravity, and on planetary surfaces, by forming an easy cleaning surface on a wide range of substrates, including both rigid and flexible materials. The super-omniphobic antimicrobial coatings can grant not only excellent water repellency and oil resistance, but also active self-cleaning performance and bacteria resistance, thus they can be used as high protective surfaces. A special cleaning pad optimizes the use of limited resources.

In addition to the significant NASA's needs, the demand for easy-cleaning or self-cleaning surfaces are widely needed for high protective clothing, functional outdoor clothing, window glass, bath and kitchen surfaces, medical devices, sensors, and electronic components, etc. Wide usage of the proposed technology would result in significantly improved safety, comfortableness and reduce energy and resources needed for cleaning and launderings. Thus any common carriers, such as airlines, taxis and public transportation, would benefit greatly. The NASA/military will benefit from the dual use nature of this technology.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.