A flashing fault light on Nasa's Orion spacecraft at the start of the historic Artemis II mission signalled an unwelcome setback: the toilet was out of order. Fortunately for the four astronauts on board, the issue was quickly resolved, with mission control confirming: 'Happy to report that toilet is go for use.'
The spacecraft's $30m (£22.6m) Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) has been hailed as a leap forward in deep space toilet technology. It includes a private cubicle with a door, a first for a space shuttle, accessed through a floor hatch. Handrails and foot tethers help the crew remain secure while using the facilities.
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency described the cubicle as 'the one place during the mission where we can go and actually feel like we’re alone for a moment.' The toilet uses a funnel and hose for urine, and a seat for solid waste, which is sucked into a bag and squished into a canister. The suction is so noisy that the cubicle is lined with insulation and crew must wear ear protection.
On the 10-day mission, urine will be vented daily from the spacecraft, while faecal waste will be stored and disposed of on Earth. This contrasts with longer missions on the International Space Station, where almost all liquid waste is recycled into drinkable water.
The toilet system is critical for Nasa's Artemis programme goal of establishing a permanent presence in space. David Munns, professor of the history of science and technology at the City University of New York, said: 'Having the ability to deal with waste is mission-critical.'
