A Chinese research team has unveiled a prototype washing machine designed for use in space, joining a growing international push to solve one of the more mundane but pressing challenges of long-duration missions: laundry.
China Says No to Smelly Astronauts - Space Washing Machine in the Works
Currently, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong space station cannot wash their clothes. Instead, they wear garments multiple times before discarding them, adding significantly to cargo loads on resupply missions. As China plans for extended stays aboard Tiangong and prepares for future lunar and Mars missions, the need for a sustainable clothing-cleaning system has become more urgent.
The Chinese design reportedly uses minimal water and detergent, relying on condensation recycling and vibration technology to loosen dirt and sterilize fabrics. Engineers say the system must balance three demands:- low water consumption, efficient power use, and the ability to operate in microgravity without spilling or causing vibrations that could disrupt the spacecraft.
The project places China alongside other players in the space laundry race. Last year, NASA and Procter & Gamble announced joint trials of Tide’s special detergent and cleaning system for space use. Meanwhile, European researchers have tested concepts such as ultrasonic cleaning and fabric-recycling solutions.
Space experts note that while a washing machine may sound like a trivial luxury, it could have major benefits. Clean clothes reduce health risks and improve morale on months-long missions. They also cut down on the need to send large volumes of fresh garments from Earth, freeing up cargo space for food, equipment, and scientific instruments.
As China accelerates its space program - with plans for a lunar base by 2030 - developing practical technologies for everyday life in orbit is becoming increasingly central. The new washing machine prototype is expected to undergo further testing before potential deployment on Tiangong.
“Living in space isn’t just about surviving, it’s about sustaining a healthy, comfortable environment,” one researcher was quoted as saying. “A washing machine may seem simple on Earth, but in space it represents a big step toward long-term human presence.”
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a pre...
Trade routes through Afghanistan took centre stage in Almaty as the European Union, Central Asian states and the United Nations discussed the country'...
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne unless France removes its digital services tax on major...
The Court of Appeal in London ruled on Monday (15 June) that the government's decision to ban pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a te...
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7...
Trade routes through Afghanistan took centre stage in Almaty as the European Union, Central Asian states and the United Nations discussed the country's role in shaping regional security and economic connectivity.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne unless France removes its digital services tax on major American technology companies.
The Court of Appeal in London ruled on Monday (15 June) that the government's decision to ban pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was lawful, handing ministers a victory in a closely watched legal battle over protest rights and national security.
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, with the wars in Ukraine and Iran, economic tensions and artificial intelligence expected to dominate discussions.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a preliminary pact that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
The Canadian government has introduced a digital safety bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, unless platforms meet specific safety standards.
NASA has named three American astronauts and one Italian astronaut to fly on its Artemis III mission, a major orbital test planned for late next year that will evaluate lunar landing vehicles developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
China will send an astronaut to its space station on Sunday for a one-year mission, the longest duration for the country so far. The mission will help study long-duration human physiology in space as China works toward a crewed Moon landing by 2030.
Anxiety over artificial intelligence is hardening among young workers as executives promote faster adoption and companies point to automation in fresh job cuts.
Hackers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to detect software vulnerabilities, reducing the time organisations have to respond to cyber threats, Verizon said in its annual data breach report.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment