Crisis in space as Artemis II toilet breaks leaving astronauts with no other options
Daily Mail • • general
Key Points:
- The Artemis II spacecraft's toilet has malfunctioned again, leaving the four astronauts without a working bathroom for their return to Earth, forcing them to rely on diaper-like alternatives.
- NASA confirmed the toilet's urine collection system is not functioning, though solid waste disposal may still be possible; the issue has persisted since the mission launched on April 1.
- The backup Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU), a specially designed plastic bag system, is being used to manage urine, while older-style fecal collection bags would be used if solid waste cannot be handled.
- Earlier problems included a frozen urine vent line and controller issues, which NASA managed by repositioning the spacecraft to melt ice blockages; it remains unclear if the current malfunction can be repaired.
- Artemis II is scheduled to return to Earth on April 10 with a planned "free day" on April 9, and the capsule will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California.
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