NASA and ESA Use Suction Systems to Manage Waste in Space

Astronauts use a specialized suction system to manage liquid and solid waste while orbiting Earth and traveling toward the Moon.

Maintaining a sterile environment is critical for crew health and safety. Without a mechanical way to move waste, debris would float freely in micro-gravity, potentially contaminating the cabin or damaging sensitive equipment.

The Waste and Hygiene Compartment, or WHC, utilizes an aspiration system to pull waste away from the astronaut ^[1], ^[2]. This suction replaces the role of gravity, which on Earth naturally pulls waste downward into a toilet. The system ensures that both solid and liquid waste are captured and stored securely to prevent leakage into the living quarters ^[2].

These systems are essential for long-duration stays in low-Earth orbit. For example, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot recorded footage of the process on day 82 ^[1] of her mission while at an orbit altitude of 1,270 km ^[1]. The technology allows crew members to maintain basic hygiene and health over several months in space.

The requirements for waste management become more acute during deep-space missions. In April 2026, the Artemis II mission carried four crew members — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Christina Koch ^[3] — on a flight around the Moon. During that mission, the crew spent approximately 10 days in space ^[4].

Because the Artemis II crew operated in a confined environment far from Earth, the reliability of the WHC was paramount. Any failure in the suction system could lead to hazardous conditions for the four astronauts ^[3]. The ability to safely manage human waste is a foundational requirement for the agency's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface.