Zero-G Clothes Washer

HAND CLOTHES WASHER1. Describe what problem the technology solves: For long term space travel and habitation the current process for clothing maintenance is not sustainable. Resupply of clothing comprises about 16% - 19% of the mission equivalent system mass (ESM) 1 Discarding clothing after use produces excessive amounts of trash and the cost of transport for long term journeys is not feasible. 2. Describe what is new and better than existing technologies: Reducing cargo weight and trash for serviceable clothing 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION For this new device, picture a two compartment clear pliable plastic stadium type bag with a long loop handle and sealed with a waterproof zipper. The compartments are separated by a small mesh divider. There is a sealed drain vent at the bottom of the second compartment. Dirty dry-fit clothes are placed in the top compartment with a small amount of liquid organic cleaner (LOC) and a small amount of water. After sealing the bag is then is then manually agitated until clothes have absorbed the water and LOC has been worked into the fabric. When the wash cycle is complete, grab the long handles and spin the bag in a circle until the soapy water separates into the lower compartment. The water recycling hose is then attached to the drain spout and vacuumed out. After disconnecting the drain hose, the rinse cycle repeats with fresh water added to first compartment. The clothes are again manually agitated to rinse out the LOC and the bag is again spun to collect water in second compartment. Drain the rinse water as before. Remove damp clothes and place in Cycle Dryer fan device (previous submission). The gray water can be used for hydroponics, cracked for fuel, or recycled. Note:1. Equivalent System Mass Impacts of Clothing on Wastes and Mission Cost Dr. Alan Drysdale.