Before spacecraft included a toilet, as the Shuttle did, and when all astronauts were male, personal urine collection devices were used. They consisted of a wearable containment belt, latex roll-on cuff, plastic tube, valve and clamp, and a plastic collection bag. Connected carefully, this device was generally effective but sometimes messy. As women entered the astronaut corps in the Space Shuttle era, new sanitary solutions were necessary to handle the basic human need to urinate when a toilet was not accessible. Eventually male astronauts also adopted more convenient methods. NASA gave this old-style disposable urine collection device to the Museum, along with new options: a variety of disposable absorbent underwear.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Hygiene & Waste Management
Dimensions
Overall: 1 1/2in. x 3in. (3.81 x 7.62cm)
Materials
latex
Inventory Number
A20100111000
Credit Line
Transfer from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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