Believe it or not, this is the toilet astronauts use.
Click on image for full size
Courtesy of The Space Shuttle Operator's Manual
How do Astronauts Live in Space?
Almost everyone has a question or two about living in space. What do astronauts do in space? How do they do everyday things like eat, sleep and go to the bathroom? Well, this is our attempt to answer those questions!
It's important to note that astronauts do many of the same things we do here on Earth. They still use the same soap and shampoo, but sponge baths are more common than showers because it takes a lot of time and effort to take a shower. They exercise a lot to stay in shape and they also eat nutritious, but sometimes unpleasant, food.
You might be wondering how astronauts sleep at night. Well, they don't just float around in a room! Each astronaut hops into a sleeping bag attached to the wall and sleeps there. Otherwise, they would constantly bump into things!
Which brings us to the interesting question of "how do they use the bathroom". Without going into too much detail, let's just say there are bags that collect the waste. And of course, there is a seat belt to keep you from floating off the seat!
You might also be interested in:
It depends on what kind of motion you are talking about. When seen from the north pole of the celestial sphere all planets orbit around the Sun in a counter-clockwise or direct path. Most planets also
...more Almost everyone has a question or two about living in space. What do astronauts do in space? How do they do everyday things like eat, sleep and go to the bathroom? Well, this is our attempt to answer
...moreThere is a really neat internet program called Solar System Live that shows the position of all of the planets and the Sun for any given day. If you go to that page, you'll see an image similar to the
...moreThe picture of the American Flag (the one put there by the Apollo astronauts) is waving (or straight out) in the wind. How could that be possible if there is no atmosphere on the Moon? Was it some sort
...moreI was wondering if there is a new planet? Are there planets (a tenth planet?) after Pluto belonging to our solar system? What are the names of the new planets discovered in the solar system? Are there
...more If that is so, the energy released during the Big Bang must have created many such black holes. Therefore most of the Energy of the Big bang must have disappeared in that form. Then how did the Universe
...more