Clean Drinking Water for Astronauts Aboard the International Space Station
Overview
AquiSense Inc., the world leader in UV-C LED water disinfection systems, partnered with aerospace contractor Leidos to integrate its PearlAqua Micro technology into its Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD) on the International Space Station (ISS). Launched into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and operational since August 2023, the system delivers safe drinking water to astronauts aboard the ISS. The collaboration represents a significant achievement for the robustness of UV-C LED technology and highlights the essential role of advanced water treatment in supporting human life beyond Earth.
Problem
As a part of NASA’s Cargo Mission Contract (CMC), Leidos was tasked with designing a system to deliver safe, potable water onboard the ISS. Disinfection is an essential step in space-based potable water recycling to prevent microbial growth in closed-loop systems and ensure astronaut health in an environment where contamination risks are amplified and medical resources are limited. Traditional disinfection methods can be bulky, energy-intensive, or require consumables, making them less ideal for outer space applications. Leidos required a compact, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and reliable point-of-use disinfection solution capable of performing under the demanding conditions of space travel and microgravity.
Innovation
Leidos selected AquiSense’s PearlAqua Micro, a compact UV-C LED water disinfection device engineered for reliable performance in tough environments. The system works by deactivating harmful microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa without the need for mercury vapor bulbs or other harmful chemicals. Its small footprint and low-power consumption make it ideally suited for applications where space and energy are limited. Built for durability, the PearlAqua Micro was designed to withstand the rigors of a rocket launch and sustained operation in a microgravity environment, ensuring consistent and dependable performance aboard the ISS.
Result
Since becoming operational in August 2023, the xPWD, equipped with a PearlAqua Micro unit, has provided astronauts with safe and clean drinking water aboard the ISS. This successful installation demonstrates the reliability and adaptability of UV-C LED disinfection in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. This project reinforces AquiSense Inc.’s leadership in advanced LED water treatment and shows the importance of our collaboration with Leidos and NASA to advance space exploration and safeguard human health beyond Earth.
To learn more about the PWD project and the collaboration between Leidos and AquiSense, check out this article: https://www.leidos.com/insights/leidos-deploys-potable-water-system-international-space-station
