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The United States Space Agency (NASA) is preparing to send a new toilet, intended for use in zero-gravity conditions, to the International Space Station for testing, before possible use on a future mission to the Moon.
The cost of the toilet is 23 million dollars.
Unlike previous models, NASA said the toilet’s “vacuum system” was specially designed to comfort astronauts.
The agency says the new toilet, made of titanium, will encourage astronauts to relieve themselves during distant space missions.
The toilet uses a special system to absorb waste from the body under zero gravity conditions. The toilet provides privacy to its users, as it is located inside a private cabin.
NASA says the new toilet is an improved version of the toilet currently in use on the International Space Station.
The toilet weighs 45 kilograms and is 71 centimeters high. It is 65 percent smaller than the one currently used and 40 percent lighter.
The designers placed special emphasis on providing comfort to female astronauts while using the bathroom.
Melissa McKinley, NASA project manager, told BBC media partner CBS that “NASA has spent a lot of time (working) with crew members and developing assessments to improve seat use and urination. funnel, to make the toilet more suitable for female use. Of the crew. “
The new toilet is planned to be tested on the International Space Station, before being integrated into the “Orion” vehicles that will carry astronauts to the Moon.
How do space bathrooms work?
Space toilets use a stream of air to remove urine and waste from the body, according to NASA.
In a video on Twitter, astronaut Jessica Mir described the toilet as a “vacuum system” that works on the principle of a vacuum cleaner.
The toilet includes a conical urine cup and a bowel seat.
The seat may seem uncomfortably small, but it is ideal for zero-gravity conditions in space, according to NASA.
Astronauts will be able to hold special handles and feet to support themselves and prevent them from floating.
And the toilet can turn urine into drinking water.
Solid waste is not treated in the same way, and NASA said its issue is still under study.
“Like everything else, using the bathroom in space is something you have to get used to,” said astronaut Mir.