The toilets in the SpaceX space capsules are defective. This has unpleasant consequences for the crew, who will be returning from the ISS shortly.
Washington DC – Since 2020, the USA has been able to send astronauts into space again – on board of billionaire Elon Musk’s “Crew Dragon” capsules from the private space company SpaceX. The space capsules “Endeavor” and “Resilience” have so far been used twice – and now it is becoming apparent that there is a problem on board. A highly unsavory problem, because it’s about the toilets in the capsules.
At first there were rumors that there were problems with the toilet in the space capsule, but SpaceX has now confirmed it: The company found a hose in the capsule with which four private people circled the earth for three days as part of the “Inspiration4” mission that has come loose. This hose was supposed to direct urine from the toilet into a tank – instead, the liquid was distributed under the bottom of the capsule. For the four private astronauts, there should not have been any noticeable effects, as the urine did not penetrate the capsule.
Unpleasant problem in space: the toilet in the SpaceX capsule is defective
But others will now feel the effects: Shane Kimbrough (NASA), Megan McArthur (NASA), Thomas Pesquet (Esa) and Akihiko Hoshide (Jaxa) are due to return to Earth from the International Space Station in November. Your vehicle: the “Crew Dragon” space capsule “Endeavor”, which has been docked at the ISS since its arrival in April. While SpaceX is fixing the problem it has discovered on Earth, the “Endeavor” has not yet been repaired – which has an unpleasant effect on the inside for the astronauts: They are not allowed to use the toilet on their return journey.
“Our intention is not to use the system on the way back,” said NASA manager Steve Stich to the press. “We have other means of enabling the crew to perform the functions they need”. Stitch means special underwear that astronauts use inside, for example when they wear a space suit during an outboard operation. “Every time the crew puts on their suits, they use this underwear and it’s a short walk home,” emphasizes Stich. “It is normal for you to wear this underwear and you can use it on the way home,” the NASA manager continued. The underwear is a backup solution for every space flight.
SpaceX capsule at the ISS: Toilets are not allowed
How long the return flight will take is still unclear, as it is related, among other things, to the start of the next ISS crew, which was recently postponed again. On the first return flight of a “Crew Dragon” capsule from the ISS to Earth, it took about 19 hours for the capsule to water. On the last return flight so far in May 2021, it only took about six hours from undocking to the watering. “We are working on shortening the time from undocking to landing and that is what we will be doing on this flight,” says Stich.
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The next astronauts who will fly to the ISS in a “Crew Dragon” capsule – including the German Matthias Maurer – are allowed to use the toilet again. During the flight to the ISS, the new “Endurance” capsule, on which the toilet has already been converted, will be used. (tab)
