Scientists Create 'Plasma Gun', a Laundry Solution for Astronauts on the Space Station
The problem of clothing hygiene for astronauts in space, which has long been a fundamental obstacle, is beginning to find a solution. Scientists have successfully developed an innovative device in the form of a plasma-based ‘laundry gun’ specifically designed to clean astronauts’ clothing without requiring water.
Until now, astronauts serving on the International Space Station (ISS) and on long-duration space missions have had no facilities for washing their clothes. The limited availability of water resources in the vacuum of space has forced astronauts to wear the same clothing for days, weeks, and even months before eventually discarding the dirty garments into Earth’s atmosphere to burn up.
This procedure for disposing of dirty clothing is considered highly inefficient, given that every kilogram of payload launched into space incurs very high costs. The introduction of this plasma gun technology is expected to provide an answer to the problems of payload efficiency and astronaut clothing sanitation.
The way the device works is quite unique and futuristic. The portable device emits a burst of ionised gas, or high-energy cold plasma, onto the surface of fabric fibres. This plasma burst is able to break down dirt molecules, eliminate unpleasant odours, and eradicate bacteria and microorganisms attached to clothing without damaging the fabric’s texture.
The cleaning process using cold plasma takes place very quickly and leaves no wet residue. This allows clothing to be worn again by astronauts immediately after the cleaning process is complete.
This innovation is not only good news for the daily lives of astronauts in low Earth orbit, but also plays a crucial role in the future of deep-space exploration. On long-term missions to the Moon and Mars in the future, the ability to recycle and clean equipment independently aboard a spacecraft is an absolute requirement for the survival and comfort of the crew.
Following the successful testing of this plasma-based laundry technology, researchers are optimistic that they can continue to refine the size and power efficiency of the device so that it is ready for practical use in various future space missions.