Friday, January 9, 2009

High tech space nappy



via Universe Today


The International Space Station's toilet has had its troubles, and Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has decided they want to "eliminate" this problem for future astronauts and procure a new way to deal with human waste in space. They formed a space toilet research group and came up with an idea that is sure to revolutionize space travel. The wearable toilet. "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," says an article on Pink Tentacle. Engineers hope to have this next-generation space toilet available to use in space within the next five years.

How does it work?

"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," the article says. It's also a full feature toilet/shower almost like a bidet, as well as eliminating potential embarrassing situations in space. "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."

I bet there's a lot of terrestrial couch potatos hoping this will become commercially available.

1 comment:

Lee said...

There are so many things that worry me about this, not the least of which is those people who get their kicks from vacuum cleaners.

What if something goes wrong?
Bum wiping?
Nappy rash?