The current New Scientist reports that the lingering problem of what to do about dirty underwear in space is high on the research agenda and may soon be solved. Russian scientists are working on it…

While the idea of disposing of soiled undergarments in space is the core of many jokes,no need to say it can also be an acute problem.The thing is thate ach astronaut produces up to 2.5 kilos of uncompressed waste per day. They are frequently forced to wear the same pair of undershorts for up to a week to keep the amount of waste to a minimum.

The science of biodegradation has already been called in with researchers searching for the perfect microbial cocktail. This cocktail digest the combination cotton/paper undies. As for the disposal unit, it will  process plastic and cellulose and other organic waste. The right combination search may take many years! The scientists hope to have the first microbial disposal unit in place by 2017 for the first planned Russian crewed interplanetary mission.

[source: abc.net.au]

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