Space Age Revolution: Real-life Dune Stillsuit for Astronauts

Scientists from Cornell University are developing a real-world version of the 'stillsuit' from Frank Herbert’s Dune for use by astronauts. This innovative suit aims to solve hygiene and comfort issues during spacewalks by collecting and purifying urine, providing drinkable water, and improving upon the current use of Maximum Absorbency Garments. The stillsuit technology can recycle 500 ml of liquid in around five minutes using osmotic filtration. The project aligns with NASA’s Artemis program, which plans to return astronauts to the Moon.

The Dune-inspired stillsuit technology uses a silicone collection cup and a moisture-activated vacuum pump to collect urine, which is then purified in a filtration backpack to provide drinkable water.

Frank Herbert's Dune has long been a touchstone in science fiction, influencing not just literature but also science and technology. The novel's concept of stillsuits, designed to reclaim body moisture and recycle it into drinkable water, is key for survival on the desert planet Arrakis. The adaptation of this fictional technology into real-life applications such as astronaut suits signifies the enduring impact of Herbert's vision on practical science.