Space exploration is one of the most exciting experiences a human can have during a lifetime. But it can also become very frustrating if the astronaut cannot find the right place to drain his ‘pipes’. NASA plans to solve this age-old problem once and for all.
Previously, the American space agency provided unique possibilities for its astronauts to fulfill their human needs. Instead of having a proper bathroom, the astronauts had been using poop bags and rubber tubes like condoms. But doing so is not too modern or at least comfortable, which means that new ideas were needed.
Toilets working on the Moon’s surface
NASA has some special plans for the astronauts that will embark on a trip to the Moon by 2024. Also known as the Artemis program, it will return humans to our natural satellite, and if everything goes well, Mars is the next target. Therefore, NASA announces its plans for the physiological needs of its astronauts:
Designing and developing new lunar toilets may not be as exciting or intriguing as developing tools to support the exploration of the lunar surface, but the need is just as important,
These astronauts will be eating and drinking, and subsequently urinating and defecating in microgravity and lunar gravity. While astronauts are in the cabin and out of their spacesuits, they will need a toilet that has all the same capabilities as ones here on Earth.
The Lunar Loo Challenge makes an open call for innovative new space toilets that NASA already launched. The new models are designed for use in microgravity.
Colonizing Mars seems like a scenario for sci-fi movies, but it’s practically mandatory to be done sooner or later. Plenty of space agencies are hoping for it, as Mars may be the only object from our Solar System (except for Earth) that is capable of sustaining life.
