Now past the halfway mark on their journey towards the moon, the Artemis II astronauts are gearing up for a historic lunar fly-around that will take them deeper into space than the Apollo astronauts had ventured. However, they are facing a recurring issue with their toilet system.
The three American and one Canadian crew members are expected to reach their destination on Monday, where they will capture images of the enigmatic lunar far side as they orbit around it. This mission marks the first crewed trip to the moon in over 53 years, continuing the legacy of NASA’s Apollo program.
Pilot Victor Glover remarked, “The Earth appears increasingly smaller, while the moon looms larger in our view.”
Due to a malfunction in the Orion capsule’s bathroom system following liftoff on Wednesday, the astronauts have been utilizing additional backup urine collection bags until the issue is resolved. Engineers suspect that ice blockages may be hindering the urine disposal mechanism. Despite this, the toilet remains functional for solid waste.
Debbie Korth, NASA’s Orion program deputy manager, noted that the astronauts have also reported an odor emanating from the bathroom, which is located beneath the capsule floor and equipped with privacy features.
Reflecting on the situation, Korth stated, “Space toilets and bathrooms are universally relatable challenges, as seen in previous space missions like the space shuttle.”
Mission management team chair John Honeycutt emphasized the importance of the toilet’s functionality, expressing a desire for it to operate at full capacity. He reassured that the astronauts are managing the situation well and have undergone training to handle such scenarios.
Artemis II is on track to establish a new human distance record, exceeding 400,000 kilometers from Earth before executing a maneuver behind the moon and returning directly home without entering lunar orbit, akin to the achievement of Apollo 13.
The Canadian Space Agency highlighted Canada’s involvement in the mission, with astronaut Jeremy Hansen representing the country as he embarked on his journey toward the moon. Hansen is the first non-American astronaut to fly to the moon.
Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency, commended Hansen’s historic role and encouraged Canadians to embrace ambitious pursuits, stating, “Let his journey serve as a reminder that Canada’s future is shaped by those who dare to reach for greater heights.”
The nearly 10-day mission of Hansen, Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Koch will conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. This mission marks the initiation of NASA’s ambitious plans for a sustainable moon base, with a target of landing two astronauts near the lunar south pole by 2028.
Through a live broadcast link, Hansen shared his awe at the remarkable views witnessed from the Orion capsule. Koch and Glover make history as the first female and first Black astronauts, respectively, to journey to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.