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science3h ago
‘Go for number two’: What happened with the toilet on Artemis II and what’s next for extraterrestrial commodes | Houston Public Media
- Artemis II faced early toilet issues on the Orion spacecraft, prompting quick NASA and crew troubleshooting.
- NASA later primed the pump by adding water to ensure the toilet operated for its critical moments.
- The crew described the toilet as a crucial piece of equipment, with one member calling it the 'space plumber' aboard.
- NASA stated the UWMS system was designed to handle urine and fecal storage with airflow for odor control in zero gravity.
- The mission assessed vent line performance, noting a potential ice blockage in the wastewater vent.
- Artemis II was a 10-day mission around the Moon, with Earth-based observers noting the public interest in the space toilet.
- NASA intends to evaluate and possibly modify the UWMS before Artemis III for longer lunar missions.
- Officials highlighted the UWMS was developed with two toilets in mind, one on Orion for Artemis II and another on the ISS.
- Officials noted the mission’s focus on water recycling, with ISS achieving about 90% and NASA aiming for 98% in the future.
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