The American space agency NASA is looking for a new design for a toilet that can be used in space and on the surface of the moon. They have one for that design competition set up for young and old.
The toilet must meet a number of conditions: it must be able to be used by astronauts on the moon where there is a light form of gravity, and in a weightless state during space travel. The toilet must also be suitable for both men and women.
NASA is preparing for a new lunar mission in 2024, during which the first female astronaut will set foot on the moon.
NASA and innovation platform HeroX have a laundry list on Specifications put online what the toilet must meet. The toilet must be light, quiet and compact, but also economical with both electricity and water. Astronauts must be able to poop and pee on it at the same time.
Best design gets $ 20,000
The toilet should ideally be able to serve two astronauts for fourteen days without smelling, and all forms of human feces can be handled hygienically. The design gets bonus points if an astronaut can throw up without having to put their head in the toilet.
Serious designs have a chance of winning cash prizes up to $ 20,000 (almost $ 18,000) and the chance that the design will actually be produced. But children are also expressly invited to submit their ideas.
Designers have until August 17 to submit their idea for a space and moon toilet.
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