Saturday, May 12, 2007

A flown soyuz - mir space toilet

Circa 1970s.

With white enamelled metal faeces collection unit and moulded plastic urine nozzle, plastic handle, valve labelled in Cyrillic, two two-meter long attached suction tubes, and outlet attachment.

Mir space toilet

A space toilet can be used in a low gravity environment. In the absence of gravity the collection and retention of liquid and solid waste is directed by use of air flow. Since the air used to direct the waste is returned to the cabin, it is filtered beforehand to control odour and cleanse bacteria. Waste water is vented into space and any solids are compressed and stored for removal upon landing.

Available by auction at Christies.

Estimate: 75 - 100 British pounds.

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