A Multi-Purpose Astronaut Shower for Long-Duration Microgravity Missions

Paper number

IAC-06-B4.4.05

Author

Dr. Marco C Bernasconi, MCB Consultants, Switzerland

Coauthor

Mr. Meindert Versteeg, MCB Consultants, Switzerland

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Zenger, Switzerland

Year

2006

Abstract

A definite need exists for a bathing facility in space ("whole-body cleansing"), especially on long-duration missions. Specific research sponsored by NASA in the early 1970s determined that showering in orbit represented a technically viable solution, amenable to a low water consumption, and effective for controlling microbiological organism on the human skin.

As part of the initial studies for ESA's "Space Haven" inflatable habitat, our team had to define a crew shower, with particular attention to formulating its requirements and to outlining a development plan identifying any technology drivers for early demonstrators on ground or in flight. We reviewed actual flight experiences (on Skylab and on the Soviet space stations - Bluth and Helppie, 1987) of space showers for astronaut crew under microgravity conditions the actual experience, and past development work in the US (the early 1970s and the late 1980s efforts), as well as a number of sporadic studies. Results of human factors studies, particularly as part of isolation living facilities, supplemented the data base for assessing need, opportunity, and technological requirements for an appropriate whole-body cleansing facility.

Analysis of the critiques against the shower concept came to support a conclusion that any development effort must focus on usability, rather than on technological and operational aspects -- whose feasibility past missions had largely demonstrated. A rapid review of current industrial capabilities to supply the consumer market with compact and capable devices for different functions, revealed a wide range of products. Accordingly, we formulated requirements and a first outline for a facility named AKOS, for An Advanced Kind Of Shower, that ought to provide a good, safe, and salutary experience to its primary users, as well as fulfilling several secondary functions, including sauna, steam bath, cold exposure treatment and, possibly, decontamination purposes.

The paper describes the AKOS concept, as well as initial development plan, building in particular on the store of ideas and technology available within the relevant industry (e.g. "electric shower" and local water-pressure boosting), whose adaptation to the space and microgravity usage appears to hold good promise of economic returns.

In summary, this initial AKOS study has attempted to describe both need and advantages, as well as a concept, for an astronaut's shower. Relying on past studies, on flight experiences, and on the ensuing critiques, and building on an interdisciplinary approach, this study defined a modular piece of equipment that -- using parts inspired by commercially-available products -- that for the first time could satisfy different functions for the hygiene, well-being, and health support of the crew members.



PPH-05-052

Abstract document

IAC-06-B4.4.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B4.4.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.