Researchers are tackling a gritty problem for long-duration space travel: how to clean clothes and equipment without water. A new lab experiment, detailed by Live Science, is testing plasma jets — essentially miniature lightning bolts — as a water-free sanitation method for future missions to the moon and Mars.
The approach aims to solve a logistical headache for astronauts. Water is a precious resource beyond Earth, making traditional laundry impossible. Plasma jets generate reactive species that can kill germs on surfaces, potentially allowing crews to reuse gear without carrying excessive supplies.
In the demo, the plasma jet achieved significant microbial reduction on test fabrics. Preliminary results showed it could decontaminate materials effectively in a matter of minutes, though exact efficacy rates were not provided in the report. The technology remains in early laboratory stages.
If perfected, the system could extend mission duration and cut resupply costs. It might also find applications in hospitals and remote environments on Earth, where water is scarce. The researchers plan further tests in simulated space conditions.
The concept has a notable caveat: it may not work against all pathogen types or in the vacuum of space. Critics also note the system's power requirements could strain a spacecraft's limited energy budget, and scaling it up for a full crew remains untested.