2007-08-12 09:09:24 · 5 answers · asked by bigmac35055 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Elimination of waste products is a constant problem for all types of travelers, mariners, pilots, submariners and astronauts. Astronauts use a special kind of toilet that you sort of strap on and it uses suction to collect the waste. Solids are retained until they can safely be removed on Earth, and liquids are usually vented overboard. In the future, due to the needs of humans for water, liquid waste may be chemically treated, filtered and recycled into trash, and fresh water.
The biggest problem currently being faced by astronauts in moments of bathroom duty is the diffriculty in taking radio
calls and messages while "on the can", if you will. There are
no mikes and speakers in the head compartment and one has to lean forward out into the main passageway to holler verbal responses to someone else who relays them to the distant party via radio. Several astronauits have come unstuck from their position on the toilet and a real mess has resulted. I am quite certain that future missions will include extension mikes and speakers inside the Head Compartment.
In case some of the readers have not grasped the total concept of this operation, on Earth, one does his or her business and then hits a flush button (possible with gravity, because everything falls down). In space, once seated on the toilet, you push the "ON" button and suction begins, continuing until you are finished with the activity. At that time you operate the switch to the "OFF" position. Hand cleaning and wiping is still a necessity, and only brief usage of the suction to dispose of the soiled tissue is needed.
2007-08-12 10:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Solid wastes are compressed and stored on-board, and then removed after landing. Water waste is vented to space, although future systems may recycle it. The air is filtered to remove bacteria and then returned to the cabin.
2007-08-12 16:20:03 · answer #2 · answered by JAS 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have a special toilet that you can strap yourself onto, and it uses suction to get rid of the waste.
2007-08-12 16:14:28 · answer #3 · answered by The Gopher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very carefully! They pee into a container...of course.
2007-08-12 16:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by Aundrea 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
very carefully!
2007-08-12 16:16:58 · answer #5 · answered by booboo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋