UNITED STATES: NASA has successfully tested a new waste disposal technology developed by the Texas-based waste disposal company Nanopracks aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The test demonstrated a more efficient and sustainable model of waste removal from the ISS, which could prove to be a critical new utility function for all future space stations.
Typically, ISS astronauts collect trash and store it on the space station for months while waiting for the Cygnus cargo ship to arrive. The Cygnus spacecraft is a ‘disposable’ spacecraft designed to transport supplies to the space station. After completing its primary mission, astronauts load it with trash bags and release the spacecraft. After that, it de-orbits and burns up completely upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Nanopracks’ new concept employs a specially designed waste container contained within the Bishop Airlock. It can hold approximately 270 kilogrammes of waste, according to crew members. After that, the container is released and completely burns up during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, just like the Cygnus method. The idea is that because astronauts do not have to wait for the cargo spacecraft to arrive in order to dispose of waste, this method is more efficient and sustainable.
The container contained approximately 78 kilogrammes of trash during the successful first test, which included foam, packing materials, cargo transfer bags, dirty crew clothing, hygiene products, and used office supplies.
“This successful test not only demonstrates the future of waste removal for space stations, but it also demonstrates our ability to use the ISS as a commercial technology testbed, providing critical insights into how we can prepare for the next phases of commercial LEO destinations.” “We appreciate NASA and the ISS Program’s continued support, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration,” said Nanoracks CEO Amela Wilson in a company press release.
“Waste collection in space has been a long-standing but little-discussed challenge aboard the International Space Station.” Four astronauts can produce up to 2,500 kg of trash per year, which is equivalent to about two trash cans per week. As more people live and work in space, this is a critical function, just as it is for everyone at home,” said Cooper Read, Bishop Airlock programme manager at Nanoracks, in a press release.
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