HTI Develops Forward Osmosis Membrane Technology for NASA

OsMem Forward Osmosis hydration equipment has been designed by HTI for use in NASA’s space stations that can be used for recycling urine and wastewater into a fortified drink. The drink will provide necessary nutrients and hydration to astronauts since there is resource and storage limitation in space.

Forward osmosis filter bag developed by HIT will be tested by NASA scientists during the STS-135 mission on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis. HTI has employed the same OsMem membrane technology for its line of emergency hydration products that are sold in various retail shops, including Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's and Costco. The hydration product portfolio includes X-Pack, LifePack and HydroPack. In addition to personal use, these products are used for military and in humanitarian initiatives.

The test results could lead to NASA using the HTI’s hydration system for a long term and also provides opportunities for use aboard the International Space Station and various other future space vehicles. It would be a part of future space travel and act as a backup source for water by providing nutrition and hydration during emergency situations. The OsMem Forward Osmosis hydration system also supports space exploration for extended terms in the future.