2006-09-20 03:23:34 · 8 answers · asked by tygger in pa 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Good question! Fortunately, I just happen to know the answer.
Without gravity, going to the loo can be a messy experience. NASA solved the problem using vacuum pumps. Straps hold the feet to the floor and pivoting bars swing across the thighs to insure that you remain seated. This is because a tight seal is abosolutely essential. You would think this is dangerous, but I'm told that it is actually quite relaxing.
The bathroom has a toilet, a light for reading, and even a window to look down at Earth. The toilet uses a fan to draw solid wastes to a compartment where they are dried and disinfected. This toilet can be used up to four times in an hour.
For urination, a special cup and hose attachment is provided that also forms a vacuum seal and can be used by both men and women, seated or standing. Sanitary wipes are disposed off in a third receptacle.
Waste is separated and solid wastes are compressed and stored on-board, and then removed after landing. Waste water is vented to space, although future systems may recycle it. The air is filtered to remove odor and bacteria and then returned to the cabin.
In the suits themselves, the astronauts use diapers. These high-tech didies are much like the popular adult diapers advertised on television.
2006-09-20 03:42:44 · answer #1 · answered by whtknt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Each Space Shuttle has a toilet that can be used by both men and women. Designed to be as much as possible like those on Earth, the units use flowing air instead of water to move waste through the system.
Solid wastes are compressed and stored on-board, and then removed after landing. Waste water is vented to space, although future systems may recycle it. The air is filtered to remove odor and bacteria and then returned to the cabin.
Astronauts brush their teeth just like they do on Earth. There is no shower on the Shuttle, so astronauts must make do with sponge baths until they return home.
2006-09-20 10:34:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nasa uses a vacuum system for bathroom needs. The apparatus resembles a regular toilet, only with a soft membrane for a seat that adheres to the body. This keeps the vacuum to the skin, helping evacuate waste in zero gravity. They also use a tube with attachments for both women and men for urination. This is also vacuum controlled. The apparatus can be used in a depressurized shuttle, where oxygen is pumped in for breathing. This allows the astronauts to remove their suits for this purpose. Without the vacuum suction on the "toilet", the waste would literally float around inside the shuttle due to zero gravity. Hope this answers your question.
2006-09-20 10:34:31 · answer #3 · answered by thespartangio 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Initially, the astronauts would tape plastic bags over certain openings, and relieve themselves that way. Remember that the space missions were very short, at that time. NASA finally developed a vacuum toilet, which is now used on space flights.
2006-09-20 10:36:39 · answer #4 · answered by Beau R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you activate (invent first) the gravitational engine and the rest is easy ;) or else... you keep everything inside until you arrive home :)) stupid things in my head! you, voices! silence!
I don't know. but it's a good question. and funny too
2006-09-20 10:33:12 · answer #5 · answered by haringrobert 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What you are trying to ask is : How do astronauts pee and empty their **** in space?
Good question.
I dont know the answer (:
2006-09-20 10:35:44 · answer #6 · answered by venkat Subramaniam 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
you just turn upside down so it floats away instead of getting all over you
2006-09-20 10:35:28 · answer #7 · answered by Ssoroka 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
carefully!!!
2006-09-20 10:31:08 · answer #8 · answered by paulae67 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋