Description: This proposal outlines the development of an innovative Water Recovery and Management (WRM) system, designed for efficient operation in the confined spaces of early-phase lunar and Mars habitats, landers, and pressurized rovers. The current WRM system used on the International Space Station (ISS) has considerable size and complexity, primarily due to the Catalytic Reactor in the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) and the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). Our proposed system introduces a novel photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactor system, replacing the traditional 2-phase Catalytic Reactor. This reactor utilizes TiO2 as a photocatalyst under UV radiation, enabling oxidation of organic compounds in single-phase liquid water. The ambient operational conditions of the PCO reactor significantly simplify the contaminant oxidation process, reducing the need for heaters, pressure regulators, and other complex components associated with the current system. A novel aspect of our approach is the integration of the PCO reactor with an ion-exchange (IX) bed in a recirculation loop, dramatically enhancing energy efficiency and reducing IX resin requirements. Addressing the challenges of system dormancy, particularly for lunar missions, we propose a strategy for system recovery and recirculation to ensure water quality post-dormancy. The PCO reactor's design is robust against extended periods of inactivity, while the impact on sorption media will be thoroughly tested during the Phase I and II programs. Our approach includes a novel urine pretreatment method, utilizing non-toxic chemicals for biological control, significantly reducing Equivalent System Mass (ESM) and enhancing safety. The proposed PCO/IX system is compact, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, meeting NASA's stringent water quality specifications. It represents a significant advancement in space-based water processing technology, offering a scalable and reliable solution for future space missions and planetary bases.

Benefits: The NASA application will be as Flight Hardware for deployment in support of future manned missions to the Moon, Mars, asteroids and beyond. The ability to recycle water during space-based endeavors is imperative due the extremely high cost associated with transporting water to space. A small water recycling system for use during short duration missions is needed since the WRM used in ISS is too large for use in confined spaces such as early lunar and Mars habitats, a lander or a pressurized rover. The use of the proposed PCO/IX system will enable small scale water purification with intermittent use to be accomplished.The photocatalytic oxidation/ion-exchange (PCO/IX) technology, while primarily designed for space missions, has significant potential for non-NASA applications. Its compact, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance characteristics make it an ideal solution for the burgeoning space tourism industry. Private companies venturing into this sector require water recycling systems that are affordable, small, lightweight, and reliable, especially for extended missions such as round trips to Mars. The PCO/IX technology, with its minimal size and power requirements, is perfectly suited to meet these needs, ensuring sustainable water management in space habitats and vehicles. Beyond space applications, the PCO/IX system has promising prospects in terrestrial water purification, especially in remote and underserved communities. These areas often face challenges with intermittent water supply and lack the infrastructure for large-scale water treatment facilities. The PCO/IX system's ability to operate efficiently in small-scale settings makes it an ideal solution for these communities. Its simple design and ambient operational conditions allow for easy implementation and maintenance, which is crucial in locations with limited technical resources. Moreover, the technology's capability to remove a wide range of contaminants, including organic compounds and microbial pathogens, addresses the critical need for safe drinking water in disaster relief operations and emergency situations. Its portability and ease of deployment can provide immediate relief in areas affected by natural disasters, where access to clean water is often disrupted. Additionally, the PCO/IX system's environmentally friendly approach to water purification, using non-toxic materials and low energy consumption, aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable and green technologies. This makes it an attractive option for eco-conscious businesses and communities looking to reduce their environmental footprint.