January 28th, 2006
How to Use a Toilet In Space
By Alice Hill
RealTechNews
Today marks 20 years since the shuttle blew up. We don’t cover a lot of space-related info here, but in the spirit of learning and never forgetting the imporatance of space exploration, here’s some info from NASA on what really happens in space:
Our more delicate readers might want to consider some different reading because we’re going to get to the bottom (so to speak) of something I always wondered about: how does one go to the bathroom in space?
Quick aside: One time I sat on a plane next to a guy who was responsible for cleaning the Space Shuttle (he flew to California when the shuttle landed there, but was based in Florida.) Anway, I will never forget him telling me what a disguting mess the shuttles were when they came back to earth. As he put it “when you see astronauts throwing M&Ms in the air and catching them in their mouths, half the time they miss and all that suff hits the ground and makes a huge mess when they get back.”
I never had the nerve to ask about the bathroom side of things, but luckily we have the Internet and even a movie clip from NASA on the subject. You can go view the movie or read the complete transcripts, but here’s an except that tells it like it is:
(Charlie)
Well, first of all, you have to be tight on the toilet, because this is vacuum-operated.(Phil)
Vacuum-operated.(Phil)
Whoa, I feel like I’m actually flying on a jet airplane right now. Okay, so we’re going. Well, we’re not going. We’re just–something’s humming here. So it works on a vacuum, like suction, like a vacuum cleaner. Okay, that’s all we’re going to say about that. We’re going to let them use their imagination for the rest. Now, we’ve got a hose here.(Charlie)
Okay, the hose is used for liquids–urination.(Phil)
Right, so liquids go into the hose. And you’ve got some sort of cup or something there that you use to make sure you don’t miss, right? All right, and then the rest of the solids go someplace else, and we’ll just let you guys figure out where solids go. Fine. Now, let me ask you a question. I’m cracking up, because my toilet at home has really only got one button. It’s just flush. And this thing looks like it’s got gearshifts on it and stuff, like high and low. The toilet has to be put in a configuration so that it operates properly in space. And I don’t even want– look at this. We’ve got an auto, and we’ve got a manual mode. I don’t even want to know what that does, Charlie. Let’s just skip over that, because that button frightens me. Of course, you’ve got different wipes over here. Those are important; got to have those. And I’m told that you put those in here, right?(Charlie)
That’s correct. The paper goes in here. There’s a vacuum that keeps it from floating.
Complete Transcript and Video Here
Source: NASA
Julian says:
I love the comments about the camera for guiding in the necessaries….
January 28th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Mikey says:
And we thought Kubric was just joking when he included the scene where Dr Heywood was reading the instructions on the zero G toilet.
These are those instructions:
# The toilet is of the standard zero-gravity type. Depending on requirements, System A and/or System B can be used, details of which are clearly marked in the toilet compartment. When operating System A, depress lever and a plastic dalkron eliminator will be dispensed through the slot immediately underneath. When you have fastened the adhesive lip, attach connection marked by the large “X” outlet hose. Twist the silver coloured ring one inch below the connection point until you feel it lock.
# The toilet is now ready for use. The Sonovac cleanser is activated by the small switch on the lip. When securing, twist the ring back to its initial-condition, so that the two orange line meet. Disconnect. Place the dalkron eliminator in the vacuum receptacle to the rear. Activate by pressing the blue button.
# The controls for System B are located on te opposite wall. The red release switch places the uroliminator into position; it can be adjusted manually up or down by pressing the blue manual release button. The opening is self adjusting. To secure after use, press the green button which simultaneously activates the evaporator and returns the uroliminator to its storage position.
# You may leave the lavatory if the green exit light is on over the door. If the red light is illuminated, one of the lavatory facilities is not properly secured. Press the “Stewardess” call button on the right of the door. She will secure all facilities from her controll panel outside. When gren exit light goes on you may open the door and leave. Please close the door behind you.
# To use the Sonoshower, first undress and place all your clothes in the clothes rack. Put on the velcro slippers located in the cabinet immediately below. Enter the shower. On the control panel to your upper right upon entering you will see a “Shower seal” button. Press to activate. A green light will then be illuminated immediately below. On the intensity knob select the desired setting. Now depress the Sonovac activation lever. Bathe normally.
# The Sonovac will automatically go off after three minutes unless you activate the “Manual off” over-ride switch by flipping it up. When you are ready to leave, press the blue “Shower seal” release button. The door will open and you may leave. Please remove the velcro slippers and place them in their container.
# If the red light above this panel is on, the toilet is in use. When the green light is illuminated you may enter. However, you must carefully follow all instructions when using the facilities duting coasting (Zero G) flight. Inside there are three facilities: (1) the Sonowasher, (2) the Sonoshower, (3) the toilet. All three are designed to be used under weightless conditions. Please observe the sequence of operations for each individual facility.
# Two modes for Sonowashing your face and hands are available, the “moist-towel” mode and the “Sonovac” ultrasonic cleaner mode. You may select either mode by moving the appropriate lever to the “Activate” position.
If you choose the “moist-towel” mode, depress the indicated yellow button and withdraw item. When you have finished, discard the towel in the vacuum dispenser, holding the indicated lever in the “active” position until the green light goes on…showing that the rollers have passed the towel completely into the dispenser. If you desire an additional towel, press the yellow button and repeat the cycle.
# If you prefer the “Sonovac” ultrasonic cleaning mode, press the indicated blue button. When the twin panels open, pull forward by rings A & B. For cleaning the hands, use in this position. Set the timer to positions 10, 20, 30 or 40…indicative of the number of seconds required. The knob to the left, just below the blue light, has three settings, low, medium or high. For normal use, the medium setting is suggested.
# After these settings have been made, you can activate the device by switching to the “ON” position the clearly marked red switch. If during the washing operation, you wish to change the settings, place the “manual off” over-ride switch in the “OFF” position. you may now make the change and repeat the cycle.
January 30th, 2006 at 5:34 am
Alice says:
I get frightned just reading the instructions.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:30 am
ClapekDodki says:
tette giganti
July 17th, 2007 at 3:55 am