Orion's Toilet Troubles on Artemis II Mission

The four astronauts of the Artemis II mission are on their fifth day, approaching the Moon. The Orion spacecraft is over 333,000 kilometers from Earth, traveling at 2,826 km/h.

The most significant issue so far is the toilet. The "Universal Waste Management System" has experienced problems with its pump and ice accumulation. NASA attempted a fix by exposing the toilet vent to sunlight.

Crew member Christina Koch initially managed to get the toilet working again. However, new problems arose with waste disposal in space. The crew has been instructed to use the toilet only for solid waste, while "Collapsible Contingency Urinals" can be used for urination.

Mission pilot Victor Glover expressed his admiration for the view of Earth from space. Christina Koch described the first view of the far side of the Moon as "impressive."

The astronauts also tested the orange "Orion Crew Survival System" spacesuit and practiced using it. Food is consumed from small packets and requires hydration.