Astronauts currently lack an effective method for cleaning clothes during spaceflight. Researchers have proposed a solution involving a bright purple stream of cold plasma that eliminates odor-causing microbes.
On the International Space Station, crew members reuse garments for extended periods before discarding them for atmospheric reentry. This approach works for short missions but fails for longer journeys without regular resupply from Earth.
Scientists Gabe Xu of the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Chelsi Cassilly of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have created a device that directs cold plasma at textiles. The system mixes helium, air, and water vapor with electrical pulses to generate oxygen ions. These ions penetrate fabric fibers and destroy microbes via oxidative stress.
Tests reduced bacterial colonies on cotton samples from 250,000 to roughly 60,000 per millilitre. The method avoids fabric damage and operates at safe temperatures. Current prototypes treat only small areas, prompting development of chamber-based and vacuum-assisted versions.
Such technology could support cleaning of furniture and surfaces in future lunar or Martian habitats.
