NASA’s $23 MN toilet with improved efficiency for space missions is all set for launch

On September 25, NASA anunced launch of its new toilet worth $23 million for future Martian or missions to moon. In an official press release, ncy said that it was setting up a Universal Waste Manment System (UWMS) on International Station (ISS) by September 29 on  rthrop Grumman's 14th contract resupply mission. Additionally, NASA revealed that it will install one more UWMS unit for astronauts that go on a 10-day mission on moon to  Orion aboard  Artemis II flight test. 

“How do astronauts go to bathroom in ? most basic human biological processes become challenging off-planet due in part to lack of gravity,” NASA wrote in press release.

ncy designed unit in a way that it can be easily installed in craft and life support systems. UWMS’s regenerative system will recycle pre-treated urine into water for furr use, or could simply be stored for disposal during shorter missions, such as Artemis II. UWMS’s units were fitted with improved station water system and advanced integration that was capable of filtering and processing urinated liquid into pure drinkable water. 

“ toilet was designed to address astronaut feedback about comfort and ease of use. It also features a 65% smaller and 40% lighter build than current station toilet,” NASA said in release. 

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NASA astronaut Jessica Meir said that ncy’s toilet system could, in fact, recycle about 90 percent of all water-based liquids on station by imitation elements of Earth’s natural water cycle. Furr, new toilet system UWMS launch was important to avoid transportation of supplemental water from Earth. And hence regenerative life support system on ISS was extremely essential for astronauts. se systems might t be required for shorter lunar mission, however, roundtrip missions to Mars, that take about 2 years, need UWMS units, she informed. Expedition 63 astronauts Chris Cassidy and Ivan Vagner would carry out toilet's delivery.

[A NASA team member demonstrates lifting urine hose out from its cradled position like a crew member would for use. Credit: NASA]

[For privacy, toilet is located inside a stall, just like in a public restroom on Earth. dual-stall configuration has already been installed on station and will house Waste Hygiene Compartment. Credit: NASA]

“UWMS includes foot restraints and handholds for astronauts to keep mselves from floating away. Everyone positions mselves differently while “going,” and consistent astronaut feedback indicated that traditional thigh straps were a hassle,” NASA informed. 

'Corrosion-resistant' and ergomic design

In , due to absence of gravity, UWMS’ automatic control would initiate airflow when toilet lid is lifted which will pull urine and feces into fitted receptacles. airflow would also help control odor, and its ergomic design wouldn’t require cleaning or excessive maintenance. According to NASA, UWMS are “corrosion-resistant, durable parts to reduce likelihood of maintenance outside of set schedule.” crew would be able to use funnel and hose for urination and seat and funnel simultaneous us was open to female astronaut's feedback. A 3D-printed titanium dual-fan separator on units was designed by Collins Aero to control airflow.

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(Im Credit: NASA)