Introduction
International Space Station
Problem Solving
Space Exploration
Books
Activities
Shannon's Home Page
International Space Station
Problem Solving
Space Exploration
Books
Activities
Shannon's Home Page
How do the astronauts go to the bathroom in space?
Well during their take offs, landings, and when they are walking around in
their space suits they where super obsorbent adult diapers that can
hold up to 1 quart of liquid. All other times well they are on the
spacecraft there are special funnel like toilets that allow both men and women to urinate while they are standing. To keep them from floating away
they have foot restraints to hold them to the ground. The toilets use flowing
air instead of water to flush them. You might be asking yourself well
what do they do with all that waste. The urine is then filtered into drinking water and the feces is drained of its fluids and bagged and ceiled and kept in a separate place on the spacecraft.
How and what do the astronauts eat and drink on the spacecraft?
Well since there are not any refrigerators on the spacecraft astronauts have to eat food that has been dehydrated. All that has to be done in order to prepare the food is add water for softening. Dehydrating also helps keep food longer and avoid bacteria or any organisms from contaminating it. Certain foods are avoided as well because of health risks. Any food with crumbs could be a problem because of the crumbs getting in their noses and being inhaled. Also hot foods are avoided because they can cause bad burns. They also must attach themselves to the table so they do not float away while they are eating.
Well how do they sleep?
Well their bunks consist of a sleeping bag and pillow against the wall. Then they have to strap themselves to the wall in order to not float away and possible get hurt.
How would you have to shower in a spacecraft?
Since you are in the space suits often you body odor can get pretty bad. The way that they can get clean is by taking a sponge bath. They would use a wet soapy wash cloth to wash themselves and then a wet wash cloth to rinse themselves.