Lunar Laundry: Maintaining Fresh Underwear in Space
The Austrian Space Forum is leading a project called BACTeRMA, which aims to prevent microbial growth in the inner linings of spacesuits for future lunar missions. The project involves testing novel textiles, such as high-strength Twaron material, that can withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar surface. The team has developed biocidal textile processing techniques using bacterial metabolites to avoid microbial growth. These materials have been exposed to radiation, moondust, and simulated human perspiration to test their durability. The findings of the project lay the foundation for future developments in antimicrobial treatments and the integration of smart textile technologies in spacesuits.