Scientists Build Pen-Sized Plasma Laundry Gun, Cutting Fabric Spores by More Than 75%
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Aug 19
Scientists Build Pen-Sized Plasma Laundry Gun, Cutting Fabric Spores by More Than 75%
2 articles · Updated · Space.com · Aug 19
Summary
A pen-sized prototype developed with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center sterilized fabric by firing cold violet plasma, reducing spore colonies on test cloth by more than 75%.
The device targets a key long-mission problem: astronauts can wear the same clothes for days or weeks because water is scarce, letting bacteria build up on clothing and linens.
Cold-plasma electrons react with air and water vapor to create oxidizing molecules such as ozone, which damage bacterial membranes without requiring bleach or peroxide to be carried onboard.
The current tool sanitizes only about 1 square centimeter at a time and does not remove stains; the team is working on larger handheld versions and an ozone filtration system.
The concept could cut payload mass for Mars missions by using spacecraft air and humidity instead of cleaning chemicals, as space agencies also test detergents and low-water washing systems.