NASA is gearing up for its first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, with a potential launch date as early as April 1st. The Artemis II mission will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen.

Preparing for the Challenges of Space Travel

Astronauts undergo extensive mental and physical preparation for the challenges of space travel, including managing bodily functions in a zero-gravity environment. A key aspect of this preparation involves a specialized system for waste disposal.

The Artemis II Lunar Loo

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen recently shared a video tour of the spacecraft’s restroom, describing it as a place where the crew can have a moment of privacy. Hansen explained the process of using the new-and-improved “lunar loo.”

How the System Works

“The feces gets sucked down into the bottom into a bag, and you close that off and squish it down into the canister,” Hansen detailed. He noted that these canisters are not discarded until the crew returns to Earth. Urine is collected through a separate “hose” and expelled into space.

A History of 'Floaters' in Space

Managing waste in space hasn’t always been seamless. During the Apollo 10 mission in 1969, astronauts experienced issues with stray fecal matter, referred to as “floaters.”

Apollo 10 Incident

According to a NASA transcript, Lunar Module Pilot Gene Cernan expressed frustration, stating, “Here’s another goddamn turd. What’s the matter with you guys?” Cernan confirmed the source of the floating matter, prompting a reaction from fellow astronaut Thomas Stafford.

The Artemis II mission aims to address these past challenges with its advanced waste management system, ensuring a more comfortable and hygienic experience for the crew during their 10-day journey.