Artemis II astronauts warned their farts could set Orion spacecraft on fire
Dexerto • • science
Key Points:
- NASA’s Artemis II crew must monitor their flatulence carefully, as gases like methane and hydrogen produced by astronauts can pose a significant fire hazard inside the Orion spacecraft.
- The mission, which launched on April 1 and will return on April 11, involves a lunar flyby and re-entry, highlighting the unique challenges of living in a confined space environment.
- Spaceships often have unpleasant odors due to the disposal of human waste and the inability to shower in zero gravity, with the Orion likely smelling similar to a porta potty, according to experts.
- Historical attempts to reduce astronaut flatulence through diet in the 1960s were unsuccessful, sometimes increasing gas volume due to changes in spacecraft and suit pressures.
- Research continues into managing flammable intestinal gases in space, as these gases can accumulate both in the cabin atmosphere and be expelled through astronauts’ lungs, creating potential safety risks.
