● Auther
Toshiyuki TOMBE (JAMSS)
Utilization Promotion Group, ISS Utilization and Operation Department

● Profile
Toshiyuki is in charge of developing equipment for space experiments through his career, particularly in material science experiments, for many years. More recently, he has focused on improving quality of life (QOL) in space.

We all know the handheld vacuum cleaner shown in the photo. It's a small vacuum cleaner that you can hold in your hand.

In the "Kibo" Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station (ISS), there are cages where mice can be kept. Multiple vacuum cleaners are used to keep these cages clean.

The vacuum cleaner in the photo was developed by our company, JAMSS, commissioned by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Panasonic, a home appliance manufacturer in Japan, to develop space-use products based on commercially available handheld vacuum cleaners.

This vacuum cleaner has the following features that make it suitable for use in space:

● Compact and lightweight
● Strong suction power
● Prevents debris from flowing back

The appearance of the vacuum cleaner body is the same as commercial products, and the motor inside is also the same, but various innovations have been made to take it to space.

Battery Replacement
Commercial products use rechargeable batteries, but for safety reasons, we switched to using dry batteries. The white rectangular object in the photo is a battery pack containing many dry batteries.

Additional Components for Electrical Noise Reduction
To prevent other equipment in the "Kibo" from malfunctioning due to electrical noise generated by the vacuum cleaner, components to reduce electrical noise have been added.

Debris Collection Method
A typical vacuum cleaner, which you all know, accumulates debris in a cloth filter, and when the filter is full, you remove it and empty the debris into a trash can. However, in space, debris would float and might not be effectively disposed of in the trash can. Therefore, we opted for a method of collecting debris inside a paper pack with a lid as check valve.

Just because a product is completed doesn't mean it can immediately go to space. It must pass various tests before going to space. Here is an overview of the types of tests to be performed.

Functional and Performance Testing
Ensures that predetermined functions and performance are achieved. For vacuum cleaners, this includes confirming that it can effectively suck up debris and that it can handle a sufficient amount of debris.

Noise Testing
Confirms that the noise generated when operating the vacuum cleaner is within an acceptable range.

Vibration Testing
Since the vacuum cleaner will travel to space on a rocket, we ensure that it can withstand the vibrations during rocket launch.

Electro Magnetic Compatibility(EMC) Testing
Investigates whether electromagnetic waves emitted by the vacuum cleaner cause other equipment in the "Kibo" to malfunction.

Temperature Testing
Ensures that the surface temperature of the product is within a range that won't cause burns when touched by astronauts.

The era where not only limited astronauts but also the general public can go to space is approaching.　There seem to be various household appliances that would be useful to support a comfortable life in space.

Even if going to space oneself seems difficult, it might not be a dream for one's household appliances to go to space.

If you're thinking, "What if this household appliance could be useful in space?" feel free to contact us, JAMSS. We, as space professionals, would be delighted to assist you.

Source:
Panasonic's Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Goes to Space: Supports Experiments in the "Kibo" Japanese Experiment Module of the ISS in Cooperation with JAMSS