All human space missions, regardless of destination, require significant logistical mass and volume. The amount required is a function of the mission duration. Reducing this logistical mass and volume by reusing items that would otherwise become trash can reduce launch weight and consequently mission costs. This paper describes a logistics reduction technology based on repurposing International Space Station (ISS) Crew Transfer Bags (CTB). CTBs are fabric cargo containers, which conform to specific dimensional and material requirements for space flight. This paper describes the development of a Forward Osmosis Cargo Transfer Bag (FO-CTB) that can be reused on orbit to provide radiation sheading and water recycling capacity. The design, construction and testing of a prototype FO-CTB at the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-Rats) Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in 2011 is described. In addition, a summary of the results of a flight experiment performed to evaluate the effect of microgravity on the forward osmosis (FO) membrane bags used in the FO-CTB is also discussed. Future plans for the continued development of the FO-CTB are also discussed.
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