When we think about space exploration, we often imagine the exciting parts like walking on the moon or the famous Apollo 13 mission. But there’s a side of space travel that doesn’t get talked about as much: how astronauts go to the bathroom in space!
Let’s dive into the Apollo 16 command module to learn about this less glamorous aspect of space travel. At the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, there’s a device called the “fecal collection assembly.” It’s basically a plastic bag that astronauts would tape to their bodies to handle their business. Imagine doing that in a cramped, sealed spacecraft!
For urination, astronauts used a system called the urine transfer system. This involved a rubbery condom attached to a metal tube. They could either connect it to a bag or use a special valve to release urine directly into space. Yes, you read that right—into space!
Believe it or not, even something as small as urine can affect a spacecraft’s path. When astronauts release urine into space, it slightly changes the spacecraft’s velocity. On a long trip to the moon, this tiny change can be significant enough that mission control needs to be informed whenever the astronauts use the bathroom.
Once on the moon, astronauts had to be mindful of weight. The lunar module’s ascent stage could only carry a limited amount of extra weight. So, astronauts had to decide what to bring back to Earth. They left behind many items, including drills, batteries, food containers, and yes, even bags of poop!
Thankfully, NASA has improved space toilets since the Apollo missions. But if you’re curious about the history and want to learn more, you can check out the “Smarter Every Day” channel, where they explore an experiment still on the moon related to this topic.
Space travel is full of fascinating challenges, and even the simplest human needs require creative solutions when you’re far from Earth!
Design and build a model of a space bathroom using household materials. Think about how astronauts manage waste in zero gravity and incorporate those ideas into your model. Present your model to the class and explain how it addresses the challenges of space travel.
Calculate how the release of urine into space can affect a spacecraft’s trajectory. Use basic physics principles to understand how small changes in mass and velocity can impact the spacecraft’s path. Share your findings with the class.
Research how space toilets have evolved from the Apollo missions to the present day. Create a timeline or presentation that highlights key improvements and innovations. Discuss how these changes have improved life for astronauts.
Imagine you are an astronaut on a lunar mission. Create a list of items you would take with you, considering weight limitations. Decide what you would leave behind on the moon and explain your choices to the class.
Watch the “Smarter Every Day” episode about space toilets. Discuss with your classmates what you learned and how it changed your perception of space travel. Reflect on the challenges astronauts face and how they overcome them.
Space – The vast, seemingly infinite area that exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere where stars, planets, and other celestial bodies are found. – Example sentence: Scientists use telescopes to study the mysteries of space and learn more about distant galaxies.
Astronauts – Trained individuals who travel into space to conduct experiments and explore celestial bodies. – Example sentence: The astronauts aboard the International Space Station conduct research that helps us understand life in space.
Moon – Earth’s natural satellite, which orbits the planet and affects tides on Earth. – Example sentence: The moon’s surface is covered with craters and dust, remnants of ancient impacts.
Urine – A liquid waste product produced by the kidneys, which is often recycled on space missions to conserve water. – Example sentence: On the International Space Station, astronauts use special systems to recycle urine into clean drinking water.
Velocity – The speed of an object in a specific direction, important for calculating spacecraft movement. – Example sentence: The spacecraft’s velocity must be carefully controlled to ensure it reaches its intended destination.
Trajectory – The path followed by an object moving through space, often used to plan spacecraft routes. – Example sentence: Engineers calculate the trajectory of a rocket to ensure it reaches the correct orbit around Earth.
Module – A self-contained unit or section of a spacecraft, often designed for a specific function. – Example sentence: The lunar module was used by astronauts to land on the moon during the Apollo missions.
Toilet – A device used for the disposal of human waste, specially designed for use in the microgravity environment of space. – Example sentence: The space station’s toilet uses air flow to manage waste in the absence of gravity.
Exploration – The act of traveling through or investigating an unfamiliar area, such as space, to learn more about it. – Example sentence: Space exploration has led to many discoveries about our solar system and beyond.
NASA – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. – Example sentence: NASA’s missions have expanded our understanding of the universe and inspired generations of scientists.
