The number ONE thing that NO Space Mission can happen without is “LIFE SUPPORT”, which is WATER, OXYGEN, and FOOD!

At FAST Space we are finalizing the development of our unique “LIFE SUPPORT” System which combines Water Purification, Oxygen Generation, and Food Supply into one interconnected system that will completely revolutionize space travel as we know it! We will bring you updates on our Oxygen Generation System and Food Supply System once patented, but until then, here is some information on our Waste & Water Recovery System (WWRS).

FAST Space’s Waste & Water Recovery System (WWRS) represents a significant evolution over current systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and Tiangong Space Station.

In short, the WWRS is a 102% efficient, closed loop system, which will advance all Space mission capabilities, while setting a precedent in Compact Water Recovery Systems for multiple applications in Space and here on Earth. Here is a comparison of key aspects:

Water Recovery Sources

ISS:

Sources:

• Urine (via the Urine Processor Assembly).
• Humidity condensates from the cabin air.
• Sweat and exhaled water vapor.

Limitations:

• Does not process water from human feces.
• Limited ability to recover water from gray water (e.g., hygiene water).

WWRS:

Sources:

• Urine, sweat, humidity, and gray water.
• Human feces: Recovers up to 75% of water content.
• Plant-derived water: Extracts water content from edible crops.

Advantage:

• Handles a wider range of inputs, increasing overall water recovery.

Water Recovery Efficiency

ISS:

Efficiency:

• Recovers approximately 93% of available water.
• A significant portion of recovered water is used for oxygen generation (via electrolysis).

Limitations:

• Leaves unused potential water in feces and some gray water sources.

WWRS:

Efficiency:

• Achieves ~102% recycling efficiency by combining water from multiple sources, including plant transpiration.
• Independent oxygen generation eliminates the need to divert water for electrolysis.

Advantage:

• Surplus water production ensures reliability for extended missions.

Integration with Other Systems

ISS:

Dependence on Oxygen Systems:

• The Water Recovery System supports the Oxygen Generator Assembly (OGA) by supplying water for electrolysis.

Modular Design:

• Systems are modular but lack deeper integration with emerging technologies like hydroponics or plasma systems.

WWRS:

Synergistic Integration:

• Works seamlessly with the Oxygen Production & CO2 Removal System, sharing resources efficiently.
• Supports hydroponic plant systems by providing recycled water and bio-nutrients.

Plasma Technology:

• Enhance system efficiency by breaking down waste and sterilizing water with advanced plasma reactors.

Advantage:

• Provides a holistic approach to life support, improving overall sustainability.

Energy Consumption

ISS:

Energy Usage:

• High energy demand for urine processing & water recovery, particularly older technologies.

Limitations:

• Energy efficiency improvements are constrained by legacy system designs.

WWRS:

Energy Usage:

• Integrates energy-efficient filtration technologies (e.g., graphene membranes).
• Plasma-assisted processing enhances sterilization and waste breakdown with lower energy requirements.

Advantage:

• Reduced energy consumption ensures better scalability for long-duration missions.

Solid Waste Management

ISS:

Approach:

• Human feces are bagged, stored, and eventually ejected into space as waste.

Limitations:

• Does not utilize solid waste for nutrient recovery or water extraction.

WWRS:

Approach:

• Extracts water from feces (up to 1.7 liters/day for a 15-member crew).
• Convert solid waste into biochar or fertilizer for hydroponic systems.

Advantage:

• Closes the resource loop, reducing overall waste and enhancing sustainability.

Scalability and Redundancy

ISS:

Scalability:

• Limited to a specific crew size (currently up to 7 astronauts).

Redundancy:

• Has backup systems but relies on Earth-based resupply in emergencies.

WWRS:

Scalability:

• Modular design allows for scalability to larger crews or surface habitats (e.g., lunar or Martian bases).

Redundancy:

• Includes built-in fail-safes, additional storage buffers, and predictive maintenance via AI.

Advantage:

• Supports long-term, self-sufficient missions far from Earth.

System Compactness

ISS:

Footprint:

• Systems occupy significant cabin space due to legacy designs.

Limitations:

• Efficiency improvements are constrained by size and weight limitations.

WWRS:

Footprint:

• Compact, modular units reduce space requirements.
• Lightweight materials minimize launch mass.

Advantage:

• Frees up valuable spacecraft space for other critical systems.

Earth Applications

ISS:

Potential:

• Some water recovery technologies are applicable in disaster relief or remote areas but have not been widely commercialized.

Limitations:

• Focus remains on space-specific challenges.

WWRS:

Potential:

• Designed for dual use in space and Earth applications.
• Can address water scarcity in drought-stricken regions with compact, scalable systems.

Advantage:

• Wider impact potential, benefiting humanity both on Earth and in space.

  

WWRS is a next-generation system addressing the limitations of current ISS technologies, offering significant advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and scalability for future space missions.