Sustainable Water Systems in Space: A Review of Current Technologies and Future Prospects

Olawade, David; Ijiwade, James O.; Wada, Ojima Zechariah

Sustainable Water Systems in Space: A Review of Current Technologies and Future Prospects

Olawade, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0188-9836, Ijiwade, James O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2674-5170 and Wada, Ojima Zechariah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8328-3557 (2026) Sustainable Water Systems in Space: A Review of Current Technologies and Future Prospects. Water Resources Research, 62 (2). e2025WR041273.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025WR041273

Abstract

Sustainable water management is a critical challenge in space exploration, where the limited availability of resources requires innovative approaches to ensure astronauts' survival on long‐duration missions. This narrative review explores the key technologies and methods involved in water recycling, in situ resource utilization (ISRU), and bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) essential for supporting human life in space. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated significant progress in recycling water from urine, sweat, and humidity, achieving up to 93% recovery. However, challenges remain in reducing energy consumption, improving system durability, and ensuring water quality. ISRU technologies, particularly those aimed at extracting water ice from lunar and Martian environments, offer promising solutions for future missions, but they must overcome scalability and logistical hurdles. This review also highlights the potential of nanotechnology and AI‐driven autonomous systems in enhancing water purification and management. Nanomaterials like graphene oxide membranes could revolutionize filtration efficiency, while AI could optimize real‐time water quality monitoring and recycling processes. As space agencies push toward establishing colonies on the Moon and Mars, the development of sustainable, closed‐loop water systems will be pivotal to the success of these missions. Continued research and innovation are essential to ensuring water resources are efficiently managed for long‐term human presence in space.