Scientists from Cornell University are developing a real-world version of the ‘stillsuit’ featured in adaptations of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic Dune, which could be used by future astronauts as they embark on missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and beyond.

In order to live on the brutally dry world of Arrakis, the humans inhabiting Herbert’s fictional desert world were forced to develop specialised clothing designed to capture and recycle every drop of the body’s moisture for reuse. These ‘stillsuits’ prevented moisture loss, while filtering the body’s sweat and urine to provide drinkable water, which would allow the Fremen people to thrive under the harsh glare of Arrakis’ star.

Now, scientists are attempting to harness a similar technology to improve the lives of astronauts embarking on arduous spacewalks to the outer hull of the International Space Station (ISS), and potentially, on future missions to the surface of the Moon, and Mars.