The new International Space Station toilets are worth $23 million, as per a report in AFP. But they will make things comfier for the astronauts aboard the ISS, plus improve recycle of waste.?
Known as the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), they have been developed by NASA and are more compact than the current facilities onboard the ISS.
They are 65% smaller plus 40% lighter. They also have footrests and handles to prevent anyone from floating away. The fact that it has a seat is good news for female astronauts. Also, NASA promises that it's easier and faster to keep clean.?
The crew shall urinate into a funnel connected to a hose and the new seats will serve for bowel movements. The waste is to be sucked away via a titanium dual-fan separator. The new separation system is completely automatic and does not need to be manually triggered.?
Urine collected will be recycled into water. The faecal matter shall be stored to be sent back for analysis. Toilet paper, wipes and gloves will be disposed of in bags that are waterproof.?
This system shall be on a trial basis or three years, with the current toilets. This is until dismantling ISS starts in 2024. From there onwards, it may be part of designs for the craft that will go on Mars missions or in future stations which will be found on the moon.