Upgrades to the International Space Station Water Processor Assembly

The International Space Station Water Processor Assembly provides contaminant control and deionization functions to the Water Recovery System. The Water Processor Assembly presently utilizes sorbent-based Multifiltration Beds and a downstream Catalytic Reactor for these operations. Upgrades and process improvements are desired to improve performance, increase reliability, and decrease consumable resupply. To this end, reverse osmosis membrane separation technologies were evaluated to reduce influent contaminant loads, candidate additives to inhibit wastewater biofilm formation and growth were studied, and life stability testing was completed for a recently developed high-activity catalyst. The performance and applicability of these new technologies within the Water Processor Assembly, as well as their suitability for exploration missions, are discussed herein.