ABOUT WATER RECOVERY SYSTEM (WRS)
The Water Recovery System aboard the ISS reclaims potable water from crew urine, humidity condensate, and hygiene water. It uses vapor compression distillation followed by catalytic oxidation and iodine treatment. WRS dramatically reduces the mass of water that must be launched to the station, saving thousands of kilograms per year.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Category | Life Support |
| Subcategory | Water Recovery |
| Manufacturer | Hamilton Sundstrand (Collins Aerospace) |
| Mass | 660 kg |
| Power | 1,500 W |
| Dimensions | Two racks in Node 3 |
| Redundancy | Dual-string processors |
| Standard | ISS ECLSS subsystem |
| Status | Active |
| First Use | November 14, 2008 |
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Urine Processor Assembly uses vapor compression distillation; Water Processor Assembly uses multifiltration beds, catalytic reactor, and ion exchange for potable water
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| recovery_pct | 90 |
| output_l_per_day | ~6 |
| urine_processing | Vapor compression distillation |
| purification | Catalytic oxidation + ion exchange |
MASS CONVERSIONS
| Kilograms | 660.0 kg |
| Pounds | 1,455.0 lbs |
VEHICLES USING WATER RECOVERY SYSTEM (WRS) (1)