SPACE TRAVEL 101:
      FUNDAMENTALS OF SPACE TRAVEL
Text Only
 

Main

 

Spacecraft Essentials

 

Missions

 

 

 Life Support > Waste Removal

Overview

Storing large amounts of waste in space uses up a large amount of space and also adds weight to the spaceship, waste is recycled as much as possible.

Analysis

Cargo space of a spacecraft is limited, waste products must be recycled as much as possible. Wastes can arise from eating, cleaning, and working. People, filters, and other various surfaces acquire dirt and require cleaning. Wet trash has its water filtered and removed for reuse. Other types of trash can be burned, yielding substances such as carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide can then be converted to water as well. Trash is stored in bags that are stowed in the lower deck and disposed of on Earth. The conservation of useful material from waste is beneficial in that it reduces the amount of waste that must be stored for disposal on earth and increases the supply of other useful products.