Program Information

NASA Kids Science News segment explaining how water works in space.

NASA Kids Science News Network™ is a news-style standards-based program that uses the Web, animation, and video to introduce science, technology, engineering, math, and NASA concepts. NASA's KSNN™ uses animated characters (grades K-2) and Web and video technology (grades 3-5) to explain everyday phenomena of our world, correct misconceptions, and answer frequently asked questions.

Transcript

Hi, I'm RJ
with another NASA fact.

Did you know astronauts
will recycle water in space?

I understand we can recycle
newspapers, but water?

(RJ)
Nature already recycles water
on Earth.

In the water cycle, rain falls,
evaporates back
into the atmosphere,
and falls as rain again.

Cities even recycle water
that goes down the drain.

It is collected, cleaned,
and reused.

That makes sense, but how can
astronauts recycle water?

(RJ)
NASA is working
on a water recycling system
for long trips to Mars.

They could never carry enough
fresh water for this trip.

Water will be collected
from activities
like washing hands
and brushing teeth.

It is cleaned and used again.

Even sweat and urine
will be collected and recycled.

You mean they will drink
this recycled water?

Don't worry.

NASA will make sure
that this water
is cleaner than
your tap water.

To find out more,
check out our website.

Until next time, I'm RJ
with another cool NASA fact.

Virginia Standards