Due for launch in 2011, UNESCOSat is the United Nations' (UN) first ever satellite and part of its mission is to boldly go where no other satellite has been before, by doing advance testing for a future novel power system fueled by human excrement.
The Florida Institute of Technology has two science payloads, and using a pumping system and pressure vessels, the Shewanella MR-1 anaerobic bacteria life-cycle will be studied under exposure to space radiation, temperature extremes and different pressures.
The fuel idea is based upon the Shewanella bacteria digesting human waste and liberating hydrogen that can then be passed through a fuel cell along with oxygen, creating an electric current and water as a by-product. The water can be recycled and drank by space travelers, and NASA is already recycling astronaut urine.
On long duration space missions or at remote colony outposts, human waste disposal is a problem and why throw away something that could be useful. So rather than flushing it into space or down the space-toilet and onto some pristine alien world, the idea is to use the excrement to provide fuel for electrical power. This seems like a great idea, and an excellent recycle and re-use policy. The other option for the waste is to use it as humanure in a space-travelers greenhouse.
The US$5 million (€3.83 million) test satellite is part of an education program run by the UN, carrying student projects and allowing the teachers and students to access the on-orbit test data, fostering international co-operation and increasing awareness in science. The program is scheduled to stay operational for 5 years.
On a more serious note, there is the risk that some Earth bacteria could colonize an alien planet if taken there mistakenly by astronauts, but scientists have also raised the question about what happens to other bacteria that is carried along by astronauts on long-duration space missions. The concern is that the bacteria could mutate along the way due to exposure to space radiation and change from being benign or helpful into a harmful bacteria.
Via FastCompany, Wired & The Future of Things
Trevor Williams is a University of Victoria Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate specializing in renewable energy, power grid modeling and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. He has a bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering, a Masters in Management Science and over 23 years international experience in the space industry, having worked on Earth observation and telecommunications satellites. He is the author of the Eco-Geek blog.
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