NASA's Space Poop Challenge

[Tellenbach]

Win $30,000 if you come up with a good design.

Space Poop Challenge: NASA Calls for Better Spacesuit Potty Systems

NASA astronauts wear diapers to take care of their bodily needs while they're launching, landing or spacewalking. However, these diapers are only good for a few hours; sitting in poop, urine or menstrual fluid for more than that is bad for your health, and your backside, besides.

"In the event of cabin depressurization or other contingency, crew members may need to take refuge in their launch and entry suits for a long-duration: 144 hours," according to the statement. "The crew member will have less than 60 minutes to get into and seal their spacesuit. To ensure the crew member's safety, the solution [proposed system] needs to take no more than five minutes [to set up and integrate with the spacesuit]."

As I see it, the problem is with the spacesuit itself. The butt portion of the spacesuit needs to open up quickly to allow the astronauts enough time to use the toilet. I think a vertical wall toilet and a butt pocket that zips up could work. You unzip the spacesuit, stick your ass on the wall toilet (basically a wall vacuum fitted to your butt), do your business, then zip back up.