When a SpaceX rocket carried a small but powerful payload into orbit, it also carried technology – equipped with software and electronics developed in collaboration with Svep – built to secure clean water for future space missions.
The technology has a unique history. Developed within the Hydromars project, the system is a compact, high-performance water purification device originally conceived to address radioactive water contamination after the Chernobyl disaster. Today, that same innovation is being adapted for the toughest environment of all: outer space.
A circular water system for space travel
In space, every drop of water is precious. Hydromars’ purification system is designed to support closed-loop water recovery in manned space missions – a critical step in enabling longer journeys beyond Earth orbit, including potential future missions to Mars.
The purification process is based on sorption materials and membrane technologies, combined with intelligent software control. This involves using advanced materials that absorb and filter out unwanted substances, together with fine membrane filters that purify the water. The idea is to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient water treatment under extreme conditions.
The device has undergone rigorous environmental qualification, including tests for temperature, vibration, and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Svep’s facilities in Lund have been useful. The system was sealed and prepared for launch aboard a Falcon 9 mission to low Earth orbit, supporting ongoing efforts to validate circular water recovery technology in microgravity and future long-duration space missions.
From Earth’s disasters to space’s challenges
Hydromars has its roots in addressing real-world crises – transforming contaminated groundwater from the Chernobyl disaster into clean, drinkable water. Today, that same commitment to sustainability and resilience is reaching beyond Earth.
“This is the type of project that makes us engineers dream,” says Jimmie Johansson, head of embedded software at Svep. “It’s satisfying applying deep technical knowledge to solve human problems – whether they’re local challenges or about surviving in space.”
We’re proud to have contributed to this cutting-edge innovation and look forward to following the continued development of sustainable water recovery systems for future space exploration.
- Read more about Hydromars’ space technology projects
- Read Hydromars’ Hydro4M2 mission update
- Read Hydromars’ feedback on collaborating with Svep
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