Pooping in Outer Space is Hard

Pooping in a Spacesuit is as Complicated as it Sounds

by: Ian O'Neill, Seeker

     There is an actual transcript of the 1969 NASA crew discussing whose poop was floating right in front of them. One man grabs a napkin to get in and throw it away, while the other men laugh and discuss how the turd is definitely not theirs. While traveling in outer space, using the restroom is very challenging. With no restrooms on space shuttles, astronauts have to wait sometimes up to six days to reach an International Space Station to use the restroom. Usually, the astronauts can't remove their space suit during this time. This has become a sanitary issue which is why NASA is offering a 30,000 dollar reward for anyone who creates "an in-suit waste management system" NASA writes. This also includes a system for menstrual waste. Anyone who wants extra cash, invent a special diaper for these astronauts.

     I felt very entertained while reading this article. Pooping usually seems to be a taboo subject and it's nice to see that NASA and these astronauts have a sense of humor about it. While it is funny, it is also hazardous due to bacteria and NASA recognizes that and wants to do something about it.