Space station toilet gets out of order sign
The toilet on the International Space Station has broken ... while there are a record number of astronauts onboard.Since the malfunction on Sunday there has been a "out of order" sign on the main ISS loo while repairs are carried out.
It is thought a pump failed contaminating internal parts meaning the toilet would not be safe to use. As a result the record 13 astronauts onboard, are currently using a similar toilet in the Russian Zvezda module.
Space station Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Frank De Winne are due to carry out repairs and install replacement parts this week.
Luckily they haven't been forced to get a plumber in ... can you imagine the call out charge?
A spokesperson for NASA said: "International Space Station flight controllers have set aside about 2.5 hours this morning to replace components of the toilet."
"The system’s dose pump failed and most likely contaminated internal parts when about six liters of pre-treated water flooded the separator pump.
"The pump introduces the correct amount of chemicals into the system to help separate liquids from solid waste."
LINKS
NASA
"The system’s dose pump failed and most likely contaminated internal parts when about six liters of pre-treated water flooded the separator pump.
"The pump introduces the correct amount of chemicals into the system to help separate liquids from solid waste."
LINKS
NASA
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