Will A Mainer Invent The Next Space Toilet?
Mainers have a history inventing some really neat things. We get credit fore ear muffs and donuts. According to the wesbite, onlyinyourstate.com, it was a Mainer who invented the Zig-Zag stitch. And according to the website chowdahheadz.com, another Mainer invented the microwave. And yet another, the machine gun! We're even responsible for the first ever sealed dive suit.
Mainers are innovative. And this is why I believe that we are up to the task of helping NASA create a cosmic crapper!
No, I'm not full of it!
NASA is actually looking for help coming up with a new "Lunar Loo" as they're calling it. As the organization makes plans for further longer-term moon exploration, they're trying to make sure they cover their rears, both literally and figuratively.
"While astronauts are in the cabin and out of their spacesuits, they will need a toilet that has all the same capabilities as ones here on Earth. Although space toilets already exist and are in use (at the International Space Station, for example), they are designed for microgravity only. NASA’s Human Landing System Program is looking for a next-generation device that is smaller, more efficient, and capable of working in both microgravity and lunar gravity. "
Where are all my high-school robotics teams? I smell a project! (Pun intended!)
If you want to give it go, here's the link to the NASA "Lunar Loo" info page.
There's even prize money involved! To the tune of $35,000! But you'll have to hurry. You have till August 17th of this year to enter your submissions.
So get on it, Maine! Let's come in number one for building astronauts a place to go number two.