Next-Generation Space Toilet
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has teamed up with engineers from the private sector to develop a next-generation space toilet, which they hope to complete within the next five years.
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.
I can already see Geeding at NYC Times Square on New Year’s Eve wearing one…
FYI, this really is nothing. I checked this story out, and it turns out that the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper printed false information. JAXA has officially denied that it is working on the toilet. The agency says it’s only a concept floated by a private company and it is not working with that company. So this is just vaporware.
Tim