We previously brought you the ECLSS innovation of how astronauts are able to recycle their fluids into water.
This past Wednesday, NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) Crew clinked their drinking bags together and enjoyed their urine-turned-water. The cheers and celebrations were to mark the initiation of a closed-loop water recycling system aboard the ISS.
Implications - Scientists are creating breakthrough methods of recycling wastewater into potable water, but the public hasn't yet had the stomach to adopt these strategies. In this example, NASA created a publicity stunt that depicts astronauts drinking the product of the ISS' water-recycling system. By showing some of the world's most intelligent minds enjoying this unusual beverage, NASA hopes to make them palatable to a global audience.
Group Urine Tastings
NASA's ISS Crew Toasts to Wastewater Recycling System (UPDATE)
Trend Themes
1. Recycling Wastewater - The trend of recycling wastewater into potable water offers disruptive innovation opportunities in creating sustainable and resource-efficient water systems.
2. Closed-loop Water Recycling - The trend of closed-loop water recycling systems presents disruptive innovation opportunities in developing self-sufficient and environmentally-friendly water management solutions.
3. Public Acceptance of Unconventional Water Sources - The trend of promoting public acceptance of unconventional water sources, like recycled urine, presents disruptive innovation opportunities in changing attitudes towards sustainable water consumption.
Industry Implications
1. Water Treatment - The water treatment industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities in developing advanced technologies for recycling wastewater into clean and safe drinking water.
2. Space Exploration - The space exploration industry can embrace disruptive innovation opportunities in creating sustainable closed-loop water recycling systems for long-duration space missions.
3. Marketing and Public Relations - The marketing and public relations industry can capitalize on disruptive innovation opportunities by finding creative ways to promote public acceptance of unconventional water sources and sustainability initiatives.