Space toilet

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A space toilet, or zero gravity toilet, is a toilet that can be used in a low gravity environment. In the absence of gravity the collection and retention of liquid and solid waste is directed by use of air flow. Since the air used to direct the waste is returned to the cabin, it is filtered before-hand to control odor and cleanse bacteria. Waste water is vented into space and any solids are compressed and stored for removal upon landing.

1 Space Shuttle Waste Collection System
2 Other spacecraft
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Space Shuttle Waste Collection System

Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier reviews the repair manual for the WCS on STS-46

The toilet used on the Space Shuttle is called the Waste Collection System (WCS). In addition to air flow, it also uses rotating fans to distribute solid waste for in-flight storage. Solid waste is distributed in a cylindrical container which is then exposed to vacuum to dry the waste.^[1]^[2] Liquid waste is vented to space. During STS-46, one of the fans malfunctioned, and crew member Claude Nicollier was required to perform in-flight maintenance (IFM).

Diagram of the elements of the Space Shuttle WCS^[3]

[edit] Other spacecraft

The toilet on the International Space Station use a fan-driven suction system similar to the Space Shuttle WCS. Liquid waste is collected in 20 liter containers. Solid waste is collected in individual micro-perforated bags which are stored in an aluminum container.^[4] Full containers are transferred to Progress for disposal. The Soviet/Russian Space Station Mir's toilet used a similar system.^[5]

Apollo and Soyuz require toilet facilities due to mission length, although astronauts for both launch systems employ pre-launch bowel clearing and low-residue diets to minimize the need for defecation.^{[citation needed]} The Soyuz toilet has been used on a return mission from Mir.^[5]