Before we all express our aversions towards the topic, let us admit that managing these ‘nature calls’ in space is definitely not so easy idea. It needs a proper addressal and a tried and tested mechanism so as to ensure the efficacy of the aeronautical missions.
Planning to keep the first woman and the next man on the moon in the estimation of manned journeys to Mars has its own set of limitations. In between various other concerns there are plenty of challenges as getting the right crew, the design of the spacecraft , sustenance in space and long-term health concerns as well as short-term concerns like where will astronauts poop!
Despite how awkward it sounds; this is probably one of the most practical and tough challenge for the astronauts.
In the meanwhile, the Artemis program will take its pace, the astronauts need to be inside their cabin which clearly means they need to move out of their spacesuits.
Needless to mention here, their need for a toilet comprising same features as the ones we use every day is quite evident. Even though the space toilets already are functional and in use at the International Space Station (ISS), NASA is particularly looking for a next-gen similar kind of device that is more compact, efficient, and further capable of equally functioning in both microgravity and lunar gravity.
The space agency has now turned to the global community with an attempt to crowdsource a feasible design. This has created the need for a contest they named as “Lunar Loo Challenge.” Talking about the attractions of this contest in the form of cash prize- it comprises a total amount of $35,000. This cash prize is to be divided in between the team members who would submit the top 3 best kind of designs in the category as Technical ($20,000 to first place, $10,000 to second, $5,000 to third).
The contest is definitely the gateway to absolute creativity and innovation not jut limited to an upper age group of the contestants. The NASA has further add up a Junior category in the contest which permits the innovators under the age of 18 to submit. This is expected to invite some unexplored ideas from the global communities which can definitely spur the aeronautical operation.
