It is known that ISS astronauts produce 2,500 kg of waste per year and it is a very difficult process for NASA to dispose of this waste. Having made an agreement with a company called Nanoracks, NASA will destroy their waste by using Bishop airlock for space waste.
NASA will use Bishop airlock for space waste
The wastes generated in the space environment are destroyed in certain periods due to technical possibilities. ISS waste stored on board the uncrewed Cygnus cargo ship is stacked until the ship’s scheduled departure date.
Working to solve the space problem caused by stacking, Nanoracks developed an airlock called Bishop. With the technology tested with the high-tech garbage container, approximately 78 kg of ISS garbage was successfully sent to the atmosphere. Stating that they are working on a more flexible system, the officials underlined that they plan to offer different solutions.
The new concept study builds on Nanoracks’ Cubesat Deployer (NRCSD) and SmallSat (Kaber) distributors. The system, which can collect garbage with a special container with a capacity of 270 kg, uses the waste bag prepared at the station.
Making a statement on the subject, Nanoracks CEO Dr. “This week was a historic moment for the Nanoracks team,” said Amela Wilson. It is an event that can be described as a turning point for us. We performed the first on-off cycle of the Bishop airlock. We are delighted to collaborate with NASA for the commercial test environment in this trial, which marks the beginning of more sustainable ISS operations.” said.
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