Next generation physico-chemical systems for water reclamation aboard spacecraft, lunar and planetary habitats.

The extent to which bioregenerative processes will be incorporated into future life support systems is not known. Until biologically based processes reach a higher state of readiness, more advanced physico-chemical systems will be required that are capable of reliable operation for long periods with a minimal resupply penalty by minimizing the requirement for expendables. Water reclamation systems must perform three primary functions: 1) removal of suspended solids, 2) removal of dissolved contaminants, 3) and control of microbial growth. In this article, regenerable physico-chemical systems capable of performing these tasks are discussed. These systems may be appropriate for near-term deployments such as a space station retrofit, a lunar outpost, or a Mars transit vehicle.