We needed a break from the usual politics last night, and NASA provided it. They launched a rocket from Wallops Island Virginia to re-supply the ISS — we watched the stream on my laptop, and about 30 seconds after launch we saw the rocket in the sky rising from the horizon. For us, the launch site was about 80 miles away — I am told that it was visible from all over the mid-Atlantic. Before Covid, we have driven down to Chincoteague to view a launch from up close.
Then there is the question of what was the purpose. They said ISS re-supply, which is kind of vague. The stories in the news had one item that caught my eye:
www.nasa.gov/…
Count on NASA to come up with acronyms for what is basically a “space toilet”. But it is a serious subject as humans need a way to go while they are in space, and they are trying to improve on existing models. The one they just sent up is an “expermental” version.
The Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) project performs a comprehensive technological demonstration on board the International Space Station (ISS). The UWMS demonstration consists of an initial checkout period where specific operations are assessed, such as different seat assessments, acoustic measurements, etc. The initial period is followed by long-term use on ISS to capture long-term performance and reliability data on the system. UWMS provides a robust, reliable, and flexible solution for varied human space exploration mission profiles. Demonstrating UWMS first on the ISS reduces risk for follow-on units supporting human long-term, deep-space exploration.
- A more compact toilet is needed for the small volumes of exploration vehicles.
- The Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) improves past technology for urine and fecal material collection and storage.
- UWMS provides a smaller footprint than previous space shuttle toilet designs.
- International Space Station (ISS) crew is potentially increasing with the Commercial Crew Program, which drives the need for additional toilet availability.
- An initial checkout period assesses specific operations such as seat and acoustic measurements.
- UWMS remains on the ISS for long term use gathering performance and reliability data.
- The Exploration ECLSS: Urine Transfer System (UTS) investigation provides automated control of urine flow from UWMS and the Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) toilet into the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) or storage containers.
- The UTS protects UPA from receiving urine too fast and protect each toilet from the other toilet’s back pressure.
- Backup storage allows simultaneous use of both toilets.
- Backup storage offload is automated saving crew member time.