Home / Science / Space Toilet Glitch: Artemis II Crew Faces Deep Space Bathroom Woes
Space Toilet Glitch: Artemis II Crew Faces Deep Space Bathroom Woes
2 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II crew reported a blinking fault light on the new deep space toilet.
- This is the first mission to feature a dedicated toilet for deep space travel.
- Astronauts need hearing protection due to the toilet's loud operational noise.
The Artemis II mission's groundbreaking Universal Waste Management System, a toilet designed for deep space, experienced a technical issue. The crew alerted ground control to a "controller issue," indicated by a blinking fault light. This system represents a significant advancement, as previous missions to the moon, like Apollo, relied on waste collection bags.
The Orion capsule's toilet is equipped with a door for privacy and features handrails and foot tethers to secure astronauts in microgravity. It utilizes a funnel for urine and a seat for solid waste, with an air flow system to direct waste into separate containers. Astronauts are advised to wear hearing protection due to the toilet's significant operational noise.
While the primary aim is dignified waste management, contingency plans are in place. If the toilet's main functions fail, astronauts can collect urine in bags. Solid waste collection would still be possible, though odor and gas control might be affected. For this short, 10-day mission, urine will be vented, and fecal waste will be stored for disposal upon return to Earth.
