Test of the Shuttle Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO) Waste Collection Subsystem (WCS) 921346

The existing Shuttle Waste Collector Subsystem, (WCS) as designed, has a capacity limitation based on present flight durations. To accommodate the planned longer flight durations required for the Shuttle, a new concept for human waste collection, compaction and storage has been developed. This new commode is configured to fit into the existing Shuttle Waste Management compartment and also includes changes derived from the various lessons learned from the existing commode and previous crew flight debriefings. The new commode features brushless DC motor driven Fan/Separators for urine collection, individual disposable bags for fecal collection with mechanized compaction and in-flight removable canisters that allow natural biodegradation of the stored solid waste.

The first full assembly of the new configuration commode has been designed, fabricated, tested and delivered to NASA/JSC Houston for further evaluation. This unit is also planned for Design Test Objective (DTO) Shuttle flight evaluation. The completed Development and Qualification testing has demonstrated that the unit operates properly to collect liquid and solid waste. Certification testing also included 20% of the life cycle and vibration testing. Electromagnetic Interference and Acoustics Testing has been successfully completed.