Zero-G Space Shower

1. Describe what problem the technology solves: For long term space travel and habitation, the current process for personal hygiene and clothing maintenance is not sustainable. Using disposable wet wipes produces excessive amounts of waste and the cost of transport for long term journeys is very high. Even more so is the current practice of regularly disposing of worn clothing. 2. Describe what is new and better than existing technologies: Liquid water showers versus wet wipes for personal hygiene, and disposing of clothing after 3 days use. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Since water is at a premium in space and is not allowed outside closed containers, the Space Shower solves several issues and mitigates others simultaneously. The basic concept is fairly simple and straightforward. Picture an extra large body bag. In zero-g the shower bag is kept semi-rigid via three flexible hollow plastic tubes (i.e. tent poles). These tubes are anchored inside the shower bag such that the spray heads are aimed to the interior space. There are three air flow vents located around the neoprene neck collar such that they will allow air to enter the bag but prevent water leakage. The bag is sealed with a double sided zipper. There is a safety caged, water on/off lever on one of the tubes to prevent accidental activation while donning the bag. The top of the bag has a 10 cm neoprene opening to fit snugly around user's neck while inside the bag. The neoprene neck collar maintains a water-proof seal while in use. The interior of the bag holds a sealed pocket for a dry shammy towel, and an elastic strap for holding an open mesh toiletry bag for the organic liquid soap. At the foot of the bag is the hose connection to the pressured water source for the hollow tubes. Also at the foot of the bag is the suction powered 'drain' to remove used grey water. Connection to the active pumps is made prior to bag entry. This grey water can be treated and re-used for additional showers, clothes cleaning cycles, or hydroponics (provided the surfactant is organic). For optimum efficiency, small amounts of clothes could be laundered at the same time of the shower (other than the Hand Washer, previous submission). Clothes should be of a 'dry-fit' construction so as to shed water more easily when wrung out inside the bag. The remaining damp clothes can be dried in the Cycle Dryer (previous submission). Once clothes and shammy have been wrung out, user pulls the plug to activate the suction pump to remove all the free floating water. Any clothes from the dry pocket can then be donned and the user may unzip the bag from the inside and withdraw head from the neck collar. The bag is foldable into a small space and the poles are fitted together in 45 cm segments. The water source should have a cut-off timer to prevent over usage or accidental spillage.