Astronauts use special space toilets with suction, handholds, and foot restraints so waste doesn’t float away in microgravity. For urine, they use a funnel connected to a vacuum system; for solids, they sit on a small toilet seat and the system starts suctioning immediately to contain waste and odors.

Quick Scoop

On the International Space Station, going to the bathroom is more like using a carefully engineered machine than a normal toilet. The toilet has two main parts: a funnel-and-hose setup for peeing and a seat for pooping, and astronauts brace themselves with handholds and footholds while using it.

How it works

  • Peeing: Astronauts hold a funnel tightly against their body so the vacuum can pull urine away without leaks.
  • Pooping: They sit on a smaller-than-normal seat, and suction begins as soon as the lid is lifted to keep everything contained.
  • Staying put: The bathroom includes handholds and footholds so astronauts don’t drift in zero gravity.
  • Cleanliness: Earlier toilets were harder to use and clean, so NASA invested in improved designs for comfort and reliability.

Before space station toilets

Early missions had even more limited options. Apollo astronauts did not have a full toilet system and used collection devices instead.

If you want, I can also explain how astronauts shower, brush their teeth, or deal with trash in space.