New Space Toilet Ready To Drop (!) In 2014
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) believe they've solved the age-old problem of how to shit in space.
The current ISS toilet is a Russian-built, western-style commode that sucks waste away like a vacuum cleaner. Use of that toilet requires practice before heading to space, particularly because an improperly seated user has the potential to create a messy situation.
Clean and easy to use, the envisioned space toilet is designed to be worn like a diaper around the astronaut's waist at all times. Sensors detect when the user relieves him or herself, automatically activating a rear-mounted suction unit that draws the waste away from the body through tubes into a separate container. In addition to washing and drying the wearer after each use, the next-generation space toilet will incorporate features that eliminate unwanted sound and odor.
No offense, JAXA, but that sounds a little like overkill. Here's a much simpler and cost effective solution: shit yo pants! Then put them in a bag, and throw them out the nearest air-lock. Extra points for hitting a passing UFO.
Next-generation space toilet ready in five years [pinktentacle
Thanks to abovedefault and Praveen, who don't need vacuum-diapers because they digest everything. That's right, everything. Even gum.
-
Mmmm, space beer. It's the stuff my sci-fi fantasies are made of. Well, that, and the aquamarine breasts of alien chicks. Well now fantasy and reality collide -- with honest-to-God space beer (sort of)! The beer will be made with barley -- to be harvested this weekend -- de... / Continue →
-
A Japanese astronaut is set to perform a number of worthless experiments this month while aboard the International Space Station in an attempt to piss off taxpayers and win over schoolchildren. Koichi Wakata will perform 16 tasks chosen from 1,597 suggested by hundreds of peop... / Continue →
-
This Japanese Emergency toilet may look like a man squatting in a trash bag in front of other people, but that's just because that's exactly what's happening. But -- BUT -- inside that privacy bag (which should also come with a masquerade mask IMHO) is another, smaller bag con... / Continue →
