Andrew Arends

My current research interests are in space homesteading, specifically, methods and metrics for exercise and textile laundering machines in extremely limited resource environments, i.e. deep-space exploration. Development of a standalone device to utilize aerobic exercise requirements for maintaining human health in spaceflight to power a closed-loop water filtration system with real-time cleanliness metrics for laundering astronaut textiles is my current Master’s research. The purpose of the research approach to space homesteading is to address the rigorous deep-space travel recycling practices, limited volume in space exploration vehicles, crew member physiology and psychology, address two health risk reduction activities, and the continued contaminant build-up on textiles from exercise and daily routines. Without effective methods of receiving clean textiles on multi-month deep-space missions and exercise equipment breakdown resulting in mission abort scenarios, the potential for spaceflight crews to become demoralized and sick from the generated human health hazard becomes a significant risk to astronaut safety and mission success for any space-faring entity. The topics and considerations in spaceflight laundry can be applied and adapted to other space-homesteading research topics, such as space dishwashing, tool sanitization, and lunar regolith mitigation.