Astronauts have privacy while using the lavatory. Courtesy of Nasa
Astronauts have privacy while using the lavatory. Courtesy of Nasa
The new space toilet is made of titanium and is worth $23 million. Courtesy of Nasa
The new space toilet is made of titanium and is worth $23 million. Courtesy of Nasa
The new funnel used by astronauts to urinate in. It is meant to be more accommodating for female astronauts. Urine and sweat is recycled and astronauts drink it as water after it is filtered and processed. Courtesy of Nasa
The new funnel used by astronauts to urinate in. It is meant to be more accommodating for female astronauts. Urine and sweat is recycled and astronauts drink it as water after it is filtered and processed. Courtesy of Nasa
Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri lived on the International Space Station for eight days last year. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri lived on the International Space Station for eight days last year. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Maj Al Mansoori had a female astronaut, Jessica Meir on his trip. She said 90 per cent of all liquids on the space station is recycled. (Maxim Shipenkov/Pool Photo via AP)
Maj Al Mansoori had a female astronaut, Jessica Meir on his trip. She said 90 per cent of all liquids on the space station is recycled. (Maxim Shipenkov/Pool Photo via AP)

Science

Nature calls: Astronauts take $23 million titanium toilet to International Space Station

The hi-tech toilet was on board a resupply mission which launched from the United States on Friday

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

October 04, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Nasa astronauts have taken a new and improved space toilet, worth $23 million, to the International Space Station.

The titanium toilet has a new design and shape and is meant to be more accommodating for women.

It is believed to be the most expensive toilet ever assembled, beating a $19m order made by Nasa in 2007.

A Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply mission lifted-off from Wallops Island in Virginia on Friday with the lavatory, also carrying other supplies such as commercial products, scientific experiments and new crop of vegetables.

Lightweight and efficient space toilet

The new toilet weighs 45 kilograms and is 65 per cent smaller than the current one on board the space station.

It is called the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) and has been designed strategically so it can be used for different spacecrafts and lift support missions – not just for the ISS.

Nasa is looking to use it on the Moon for the Artemis missions, as well as in future when astronauts are sent to Mars.

Nasa's new space toilet. Source: Nasa
Nasa's new space toilet. Source: Nasa

UWMS will feed pre-treated urine into a regenerative system, which recycles water for further use. Titanium was chosen so the toilet does not damage from the acid in the urine pre-treatment.

For short duration missions, it can also work with a system where is waste is not pre-treated with chemicals and is stored for disposal.

It has improved integration with other components of the space station’s water system, which will help in recycling more urine. Astronauts drink recycled urine and sweat after it is filtered and processed.

Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi have arrived in Houston to embark on an intensive Nasa training programme
Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi have arrived in Houston to embark on an intensive Nasa training programme
The agreement will set the stage for future UAE space missions
The agreement will set the stage for future UAE space missions
Astronaut Steve Swanson goes under water at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab
Astronaut Steve Swanson goes under water at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has heralded the signing of a new space partnership between the Emirates and the United States
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has heralded the signing of a new space partnership between the Emirates and the United States
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai
Salem Al Marri, head of the UAE's astronaut programme, said the agreement opens up new partnership opportunities between Nasa and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. All pictures courtesy of Dubai Media Office
Salem Al Marri, head of the UAE's astronaut programme, said the agreement opens up new partnership opportunities between Nasa and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. All pictures courtesy of Dubai Media Office
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director general of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director general of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Jim Morhard, deputy administrator at Nasa
Jim Morhard, deputy administrator at Nasa
Terry Virts and Samantha Cristoforetti at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab
Terry Virts and Samantha Cristoforetti at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab

“We recycle about 90 per cent of all water-based liquids on the space station, including urine and sweat,” said Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir.

“What we try to do aboard the space station is mimic elements of Earth’s natural water cycle to reclaim water from the air. And when it comes to our urine on ISS – today’s coffee is tomorrow’s coffee.”

Fecal waste is not part of the new or old toilet’s water recovery process, however, Nasa is studying the possibility.

Female-friendly toilet

After feedback from astronauts, Nasa has made the toilets more accommodating to women.

The seat on the new toilet now tilts up and makes it taller. Its new shape will also help astronauts position themselves better for fecal waste.

Funnels for urine has been redesigned and are longer. Female astronauts can now use the funnel and seat to urinate and defecate simultaneously – a feature introduced after a popular request by the women.

How do space toilets work?

Waste is pulled away from the body through air flow. The new space toilet has an automatic start of air flow when the lid is lifted, also helping with odour control.

Read More

Astronauts receive late night wake-up call to tackle air leak on International Space Station

How Emirati astronauts will prepare for space travel at Nasa 

The new system also has foot restraints and handholds to keep astronauts from floating away.

Astronauts have access to toilet paper, wipes and gloves. All of these waste materials are disposed in water-tight bags, which are stored with the fecal matter. The canister holding the solid waste is loaded up in a cargo ship that burns up on re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere.

As Nasa looks to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars, reusability of water and resources has become critical.

Regular resupply missions are not an immediate possibility for journeys beyond low-Earth orbit.

SHAITTAN
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
EXPATS
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Rooney's club record

At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17

At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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SRI LANKS ODI SQUAD

Perera (capt), Mendis, Gunathilaka, de Silva, Nissanka, Shanaka, Bandara, Hasaranga, Udana, Dananjaya, Dickwella, Chameera, Mendis, Fernando, Sandakan, Karunaratne, Fernando, Fernando.

The national orchestra
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The First Monday in May
Director: Andrew Rossi
Starring: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier, Rihanna
Three stars

On Women's Day
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler

Price, base / as tested Dh57,000

Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine

Transmission Six-speed gearbox

Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm

Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km

Explained
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
On Women's Day
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

On Women's Day
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE Team Emirates

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Maximiliano Richeze (ARG)
Diego Ulissi (ITAS)

SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Saudi Cup race card

1 The Jockey Club Local Handicap (TB) 1,800m (Dirt) $500,000

2 The Riyadh Dirt Sprint (TB) 1,200m (D) $1.500,000

3 The 1351 Turf Sprint 1,351m (Turf) $1,000,000

4 The Saudi Derby (TB) 1600m (D) $800,000

5 The Neom Turf Cup (TB) 2,100m (T) $1,000,000

6 The Obaiya Arabian Classic (PB) 2,000m (D) $1,900,000

7 The Red Sea Turf Handicap (TB) 3,000m (T) $2,500,000

8 The Saudi Cup (TB) 1,800m (D) $20,000,000

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