UAH research advances “plasma gun” technology that could transform space laundry and sanitation for future missions

August 7, 2026 - 08:13

Think about living in a college dorm room with no way to wash your clothes or clean your sheets for months. That is the reality astronauts face on long missions to the moon or Mars. The University of Alabama in Huntsville, part of the University of Alabama System, is working on a solution that uses plasma to keep crews healthier without wasting precious water.

The team is advancing what they call a plasma gun. This device creates a stream of ionized gas that can kill bacteria and break down grime on fabric and hard surfaces. The goal is to let astronauts sanitize clothing, bedding, and other gear without a traditional washing machine. Water is too heavy to launch in large amounts, and recycling it for laundry is inefficient. Plasma offers a dry, chemical-free alternative.

The research is still in the lab stage, but the results are promising. The technology could also help with sanitation inside a spacecraft, reducing the risk of infections that spread quickly in a closed environment. For missions that last months or years, having a reliable way to keep things clean is not a luxury. It is a basic requirement for survival.

The UAH team is focused on making the plasma source compact and energy efficient so it can fit on a spacecraft without draining power. They are also testing how well it works on different materials, from cotton to synthetic fabrics used in flight suits. If successful, this plasma gun could become a standard tool on future missions, turning a mundane chore into a simple, fast process that keeps astronauts safe and comfortable far from home.