2006-08-11 13:47:10 · 3 answers · asked by mizzlady5 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Actually the fuel cells on the shuttle DO generate most of the water used by the astronauts. These devices create combine hydrogen and oxygen in a very controlled way to produce electricity in the reverse of water electrolysis. The water is drawn off for consumption. I don't believe the shuttle "recycles" water in any way.
As soon as an electricity is used, some water is generated. Perhaps you are looking for the rate at which water is created in the fuel cells under a "typical" electrical load?
A dry but detailed qualitative technical description of the shuttle fuel cell system and its operation: http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventions/a/fuel_cell_plant.htm
A more accessible description of life support on the shuttle at HowStuffWorks.com: http://www.howstuffworks.com/space-shuttle2.htm
The latter link claims the fuel system can produce up to 25lb of water per hour (this is 11 liters or about 3 gallons). The article also says that the shuttle produces more water in electricity generation than the cooling and human consumption subsystems can use. Some of the fuel cell exhaust is sent straight to the wastewater tank for dumping.
2006-08-13 15:55:09 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Quark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't generate water. They bring water up with them, and they recycle as much water as possible.
2006-08-11 15:10:10 · answer #2 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They recycle the water. The astronauts urinate and it goes through a filter system and used again.
2006-08-11 13:53:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋