How to use the Bathroom in Space

One of the most frequent questions we get about life on Space Station is how to use the toilet…Here’s a quick look at the answer!
-Expedition 63 Commander Chris Cassidy
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Video produced at the NASA Johnson Space Center
Producer/Editor: Jamie Quinn

[@benyarnall4888]

Anatoly later: 'Chris why is there mushrooms down the toilet'

[@VideoManDan]

The real question is why did Anatoly check?

[@christianstiker5345]

@@VideoManDan Aye, no kink shaming 😂

[@giovannicane7597]

Russians have a separate toilet...

[@nicknamenick9448]

gsmontag I suppose the toilet Cassidy has shown in video is russian

[@RatPackBat]

🤣

[@ryanmorse6346]

I thought I wanted to be an astronaut but damn, even using the bathroom is rocket science.

[@Pika-Piiii]

My feelings are the same... 😥😥😂

[@larissacosta3809]

Those who pass the bathroom test are ready to be an astronaut🤣 I know they are trained but I would take one hour for that😳😂

[@arminmalek282]

@@larissacosta3809just imagine, today we gonna learn how to poop

[@larissacosta3809]

@@arminmalek282😂😂😂😂

[@tobi4637]

No its not.. they just use vacuum and plastic bag..

[@pinkie7017]

"You just push it in there, with all its other friends" oh my god 😂😂😂

[@TomOConnor-BlobOpera]

The astronaut version of Bob Ross - all the happy little shits with its friends.

[@RatPackBat]

@@TomOConnor-BlobOpera 🤣

[@soulcreampoopcontrol]

Jeez, I thought astronauts would have a better pooping solution than pooping in a bag and shoving it into a bucket with a stick.

[@mrczymbor9580]

I mean I once was told if it's dumb but it works, its not dumb, and I've always liked that

[@willo1345]

The station is pretty old at this point. Besides, its simple and effective and not much can go wrong with most of this. Given they only have one of these, I suppose simplicity is preferred so that they don't have a broken toilet for god knows how long.

[@LordHeadcheez]

They have it far better than Apollo Astronauts, who had to pour chemicals into the bag and physically mix and stir their own poop with them.

[@shatteredstar2149]

Wish there was a dedicated module just for the bathroom

[@LordHeadcheez]

@SP They had to mix a anti-bacteria tablet in with their poop in order to kill bacteria, just in case the bag breaks open, so they won't get each other sick. It ended up being useful on Apollo 10 when a bag unexpectedly broke open, much to the disgust of John Young.

[@davinbradley7721]

The bathroom when you're at your friends house:

[@supermarioallie]

LOLOLOL

[@QueenetBowie]

Wasn’t expecting an MIT trained engineer and navy seal to teach me how to use the bathroom in space when I opened up KZbin tonight..... but now I know how

[@uftukel1714]

I had to look him up after your comment. Wow. Impressive. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Cassidy

[@andersonparra835]

When he stick his hand into the hole I went 💀

[@liltidepods]

Ikr

[@conceptclear2338]

Same with me😝😫😫😫😫

[@weirdwaffles631]

💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩

[@stardust5419]

And thats explain why only certain people can work in certain field

[@prioritizeyourpriorities3447]

Me too lol. This whole video had me cringing

[@KDCN6]

Chris needs a vlog channel 😂 his jokes are hilarious 😂😂

[@fredericvillaume]

😁

[@RatPackBat]

OMG I AGREE

[@castillojon2448]

Yes, please Sr.

[@RatPackBat]

@@castillojon2448 very very true 100% agree

[@Keiiahh]

ikrr

[@poisonouzapple2467]

Chris Cassidy..... the most humble astronaut as of 2020

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@RatPackBat]

I agree with you @D Nonsense! He's also the cutest one IMHO!

[@oscarin13]

Dude's been up there since April, he basically saw everything important so far unfold from up there.

[@RatPackBat]

@@oscarin13 who are you. Talking to

[@RatPackBat]

@@oscarin13 BTW.... His name is Chris! & he's hot AF

[@OwenSparks]

I am officially space potty trained!

[@jarinchu9595]

Wow, this is the most detailed WHC tour (including the baggie swap) on the interwebs! Had not seen that in any other astronaut's videos!

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@SantiagoVelezRestrepo]

The video of Sunita Williams is also a great tour, explain every type of wipe in the bathroom 🤭

[@vuxsux305]

@Anzu Wyliei Most people cannot see it even if it's shown right to their face.

[@jemborg]

Except for what happens to the poop.

[@chriscassidy8140]

Helo

[@Strikeout120Gaming]

Why do I feel like they keep making these “how we use the restroom in space” videos because they want some young engineer to make an easier system?😂

[@hirohunter2314]

Probably 😂

[@leanderv7319]

They should ask howard wolowitz

[@-ayzeliah-31]

Omg, yess

[@conceptclear2338]

🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣😂

[@mightymouse5859]

Ok

[@yunjiehong4649]

0:58 I really love his detailed explanation. Very legitimate question but sometimes people felt it’s inappropriate to ask. Thank you, Chris. Such a sense of humor

[@lifelearner45lloyd97]

Very inappropriate to ask or I feel that way.

[@zomborid3r]

"If there is a red light...we'll figure out a path forward". I almost died at that part 🤣

[@jarinchu9595]

In case things go wrong... "The hardware, not yourself." Thanks for the clarification Chris 😂💧

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@RatPackBat]

I thought so too! I'm surprised he didn't laugh about that

[@strikerbowls791]

@@decadent9242 ?

[@waseee.innocentwaseee3297]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5yvnJyHpbujZrs

[@mustafaalkan8452]

Thanks man. You reminded us how valuable Ordinary routines are. Space is not difficult, it is very difficult. Needs nerves of steel and patience. Not for everyone.

[@lifelearner45lloyd97]

Nerves of Steel 😁

[@RivetGardener]

Of course, good observation. Anybody who has been camping understands this intuitively. I mean tent camping, way backwoods camping.......

[@anchorpoint3631]

@@RivetGardener Still not the same as being in space..

[@000scubasteve]

By far the most detailed and informative presentation of the whc in the history of the space station.

[@spaminbox]

it's a positive change nasa modified their policy on discussing this topic. nothing to be ashamed of here. now the baseline is known, more engineers could ponder improvements for future missions. will there be a video showing the new system which just arrived on station once installed?

[@t65bx25]

I’m sure they made this video solely for comparison to a newer video once toilet 2 gets installed.

[@t.mitchell9135]

They still don’t really discuss “Waste Collection” on Dragon or Soyuz. My suspicion is that this looks like the bathroom in the lobby of the Ritz compared to those two vehicles.

[@kayleyprice7474]

"You want to be a good crewmember and sometimes- occasionally- use a disinfectant wipe." My face did a 👁👄👁

[@dignes3446]

@Death Frost This is pretty: 👁👄👁

[@chriscassidy8140]

How are you?

[@Ramcharger]

This is Major Tom to Ground Control, I'm sitting on the throne. And it's floating in a most peculiar way.

[@Diamond_Reptiles]

XD

[@Cinebon]

2:43 it’s really wholesome how Wilson watches over you and protects you as you use the bathroom while flying through space at around 5 miles per second.

[@JonDarkly]

Looks pristine, as if it's never been used. Look at the drops that are floating around!

[@fake-your-crush_com]

...or check the news when there's suddenly another asteroid incoming to Earth!!

[@gulfemsalt6362]

Is that your signature under the toilet seat? "Installed by your friendly ISS plumber" 😂 this must be the new toilet then, thank you friendly ISS plumber 👍🏻

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@thefagliefam6861]

The fact that he put his hand in the toilet. I’m dying!!😂

[@ayannapermanand9994]

usually when i have to go #2 i have to go #1 at the same time im not sure how a space bathroom would work for me 😂

[@katy2163]

yes, me too! I wonder how much more challenging it might also be for female crew during a period.

[@dlm4501]

Was thinking that too. What if people get the stomach bug or has IBS? That doesn't look fun 😜

[@xuchiwax5497]

I'm surprised there isnt stains everywhere with such a small hole and no real seat to properly aim xD and I imagine pee floating everywhere, crashing on the walls, causing leaks of pee... Look at that drop of water floating away 😂

[@stahlhelm5755]

Imagine a Diarrhea in space...

[@imanalfarizi6214]

they'll launch from the WHC

[@BrumeNoire]

I had the same thought but I think they all follow a strict diet on the ISS so I don't think they can actually have diarrhea 😅

[@oleglazebny5727]

The mission impossible :)))) There is no diarrhea in space :)

[@saitama7001]

😂

[@marquesghm]

Yeah he forgot to answer this one... now the questions will come back 😅

[@oleglazebny5727]

I love this man! Chris is the wittiest astronaut with a great sense of humor this coronavirus year.

[@nancyoyula]

He actually demonstrated how it's done lol. I'm impressed. The many videos I've watched don't show the details

[@a11good]

Sometime in future, An Earth Tourist: I need to go to Bathroom and take a leak. A Space Tourist: I need to go to WHC and follow the checklist. (2:48)

[@bruceleealmighty]

I thank you for that thorough lecture, class, lesson on what it's like to use facilities on a space station. Things I didn't know I wanted to know bucket list, check. If anyone asks, refer them to this video.

[@ineriberti]

This has been the most explanatory video of all that exist, thanks Mr. Chris Cassidy

[@300622041]

I'll never ever have time to read instruction when I get to go. haha

[@azflat4691]

So how does this toilet hold the solids down? The suction is pulling on the plastic bag not the "greenbeans and mushrooms". What pulls the waste away from your back side and holds it to the bottom of a plastic bag that has suction on the outside of the bag?

[@user-nr5fk7lt4o]

Thank you for sharing this video. My English class is working on Space Junk. A curious one asked what happens to the poo and I am so glad your video covers all of it! The demonstration was wonderful! Thank you NASA JS Center.

[@bluesioux9538]

Idk how he didn't bust out laughing-I wouldn't make it! Great educational video!!

[@jarinchu9595]

ISS long duration mission must do: toilet tours! ✅

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@harshsankhla7259]

The way he explained everything was hilarious 😂😂😂

[@Adam-ht4nr]

Thanks for answering that question I've seen a lot of videos on on the subject but never in depth thank you very much

[@tanmisaikia8965]

I love your detail explanation ❤❤

[@deeptijuneja1984]

It's good to spread knowledge...... You did wonderful job👌

[@krisat16]

I didn't know Chris had a funny side in him. This is great. We need more of this

[@chriscassidy8140]

How are you?

[@dogonit7412]

@@chriscassidy8140 yes yes he could do stand up poop humor on Comedy Central ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 🤣😂🤣😅I can't stop laughing ! ! ! ! ! ! I've watched this 22 times and can't get enough ! ! ! !

[@rexhua4833]

Real practical lesson.

[@trinah]

I like how u made this so detailed

[@amnotevenhere5945]

When he said in the name of education I lost it

[@PokeBrick]

the only acceptable excuse to waste food lol

[@tszy3285]

Your have your privacy... and cameras everywhere 😂😂

[@GonzoLarry]

Loved it! Thanks!

[@juliahyper_kpop8551]

The Space Toilet is very interesting. Thanks for explaining it ❤

[@seangifucan7009]

I think they had changed the whole bathroom unit. The top of the urine pipe was yellow, and the door was just a curtain.

[@lucianabarbara2954]

Hi Chris! I love you and your vlogs ❤️💕

[@decadent.]

You obviously do not know much about this guy . Here is the real Cassidy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@bisratgetachew7247]

Thank you for sharing this with us

[@lisarobbins6334]

Very educational, thanks!

[@yokiamah]

44 years old when I learned how to potty in space. 😆. Thanks chris.

[@ogenopen]

Thank you, i will never ever ask it again :)

[@marycschlumberger5028]

Thanks for answering my question. Well done.

[@chriscassidy8140]

How are you?

[@Styleth]

Thanks for showing us, Chris! :D Hope you're good up there!

[@decadent.]

Down there. More like kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@Anka874]

I love seeing your videos about space ❤️ I learn so much and it helps me when I want to get extra points on my test❤️❤️❤️ by the way I’m from Sweden and I’m eleven years old ❤️❤️

[@decadent.]

Try this . If I knew what I do today when I was your age i would have made a lot of different choices in life. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@peterford5408]

@@decadent. Judging by another comment of yours, is that video promoting a conspiracy theory? I won't reward it with a click. I urge everyone else not to either.

[@Anka874]

Deca Dent thanks but I like their video more , and the other video was good but it’s not what I’m looking for😄

[@Anka874]

Peter Ford thanks 😊

[@peterford5408]

@Anzu Wyliei I thought so. Thanks for checking.

[@sofiadiaz1457]

Chris Cassidy should have a KZbin channel 😂😄

[@spacedoubt6504]

He should learn to play the guitar like Hadfield....Then he could make music videos as well......

[@RatPackBat]

I agree I'd watch his KZbin videos in a heartbeat!

[@TheBuilder1974]

BEST SPACE FOOTAGE EVER THANKS NASA 💗💗💗

[@supriyahbheem4051]

Chris u did it with good demostrations👍

[@lesross4442]

If you get a chance to look on the back of the rack containing the assembly, you will find my name written there. Along with the names of a bunch on engineers that designed and built the WHC in Huntsville Alabama. My impression of the WHC was a lot like peeing in your shop vac.

[@djkamilo66]

nice work

[@tyyamnitz8408]

Very nice. Seems like there's a lot of room for improvement on the sanitation side of things...

[@spacedoubt6504]

You should make music videos like the singing spaceman Hadfield....

[@chriscassidy8140]

Hello

[@PaddyBoyBKLYN]

So when ya shove the poo bag down, and everyone continues to add their poo bags, do they just stay in a long tube? Like pees in a pod? Or do they eventually enter into another compartment?

[@cflotronsong]

so that's for #'s 1 and 2. what about for the ladies during their monthly?

[@yourma3738]

Chris hadfield n Cassidy the best astronauts man , my role models

[@herds22]

Can you imagine working out and hearing someone say, "Hey! Is anyone out there? I think something went wrong! I need some help in here quick!"

[@Braderz888]

I can't help but notice that he didn't wash his hands after using the 'space toilet'! 🤔

[@spacedout5692]

Archy Bunker was his mentor while he studied acting....

[@strikerbowls791]

@@spacedout5692 acting?

[@spacedout5692]

@@strikerbowls791 They're all professional actors.... They can do comedy too and there's even a Canadian that has performed in a few music videos....

[@sumithanwate8798]

Is it like every astronaut in ISS have give a room tour and tutorial to bathroom??

[@TaterTheAV8R]

5:08 “you use a disinfectant wipe occasionally….or….often” 🤣🤣🤣

[@ksmith7965]

Adds an entire new definition of doing a floater.

[@arkamondal7449]

Ok, this is the first washroom I have seen that has a built-in control panel and also has a manual for how to use it.

[@Rhaenyra1910]

"THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED"

[@chriscassidy8140]

Really!

[@Rhaenyra1910]

You have to be careful with the diary and whispers.

[@chriscassidy8140]

@@Rhaenyra1910 Tell me about it.

[@Rhaenyra1910]

@@chriscassidy8140 Ginny Weasley knows this best. 😀

[@marlidepauladepaulayourhandle]

Wow how cool 😍 wonderful to see it all by the beautiful Commander Chris 🇺🇸🔐 congratulations always, ♥ ️🔐

[@user-eo9hw7ti2q]

Thanks for this.

[@weirdwaffles631]

I like how he’s trying to be as least gross as possible 😂

[@gate7clamp]

But Chris that bag is not big enough, especially after eating chipotle

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@CptJistuce]

I don't think Chipotle delivers to LEO.

[@sammyboyroute]

@@decadent9242 idiot lol

[@gate7clamp]

CptJistuce not yet though 😆

[@uku5252]

Nice profile pic

[@TheNzfroggy]

Thanks for showing us. Certainly not what I was expecting.

[@klarheit3909]

Perfect, thank you so much!

[@PL-kt8bm]

Question is: sometimes I do #1 and 2 the same time, then what do I do? 😅

[@IOwnThisHandle]

Chris, you're the best.

[@decadent.]

best liar ?

[@IOwnThisHandle]

@@decadent. Get help.

[@chillvibemusic9117]

@@decadent. lie or not it's depend on ur knowledge

[@IOwnThisHandle]

@@chillvibemusic9117 it isn't a lie though

[@gabrielrojas2503]

Cool video Commander

[@mcorby53]

I never expected to be laughing out loud watching a technical video on going to the bathroom in space. Cassidy is a natural.

[@lilmissjoodypoody]

So I noticed the couple of water droplets that floated away in his demo. I'm guessing you have you get a decent seal to avoid having your pee float away. But the inevitability of things going awry tells me that it's still a possibility... this whole system triggers my germophobic OCD. I'm definitely not designed to live in space 😆

[@pierrecollet6363]

Pee is sterile: there are no germs in pee... Only (mild) toxins taken out of your blood by your kidneys. You can use pee to wash a dirty cut or an open wound if you have no sterile water around.

[@lilmissjoodypoody]

@@pierrecollet6363 pee may be sterile, but your urethra and genitals are not. So pee, by the time it exits the body the usual way, have all sorts of bacteria in it, amongst other things (like semen, if you're a man). I probably wouldn't treat it like it's sterile =)

[@PL-kt8bm]

That mushroom just cost us at least $10K to deliver it to ISS, and he puts it in a shitter 🤣 So Chris!

[@astroellie2402]

Lol good video Chris 😂 and cool signature on the toilet. 😂

[@dalerbsr.5061]

Well this gets the shop-vac hose for #2 theory out of my mind, now i can sleep better! Thanks :)

[@The.RandomTube]

Astronaut: Mission control Houston. MCH: This is Ground control come in. Astronaut: Yeah, we've got a poop problem here MCH: Come in again? Astronaut: We've got a poop problem here. MCH: Mayday!Mayday!Mayday! Poop flying everywhere!!!!!

[@graceykinz]

Wait how do you pee and poop separately? Whenever I have to poop I also pee at the same time lol

[@johnnysteward709]

I asume you just hold the suction tube thing close to the pee

[@gregmonshy5893]

@@johnnysteward709 im just imagining this, it looks like a very kinky kind of movie

[@sherlockisverytired3169]

@@gregmonshy5893 tf

[@denisecampbell6736]

I love Green Beans & Mushrooms, so that was not easy for me to watch. Our thanks to their sacrifice for Education for all. 😁😁😁 Seriously though, thanks for doing this. Especially consdering just how embrassing that could’ve gone very quickly. Thanks again Guys!! 😊

[@lujanescalada2161]

TE AMO CHRIS , ERES MI VIDA , Y TU LO SABES ,DESDE URUGUAY

[@simonenascimben8122]

No bidet?

[@drabberfrog]

They don't want a bunch of nasty poop water being sprayed everywhere.

[@Tina-fi2wy]

That’s kind of sad that this is the most common question.

[@decadent.]

It is indeed . This should be the question everyone has for NASA. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@Tina-fi2wy]

Deca Dent lol

[@marlidepauladepaulayourhandle]

Good afternoon Cris Cassidy, a thousand years may pass I will never forget you .You are unforgettable for all of us, we love you 🇺🇸🌍🕒

[@CosmosBFN]

They need to do that... Awesome

[@4TheRecord]

5:08 Occasionally more than often ;-)

[@decadent9242]

NASA are a joke . Real science NOT A CHANCE . Actors talking about taking a SHT..,, YAY :))))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mYdnSaqMubq9E

[@belthomas3449]

But how do you wash your hands?

[@franklinvega6847]

Disinfecting wipes I suppose

[@Ramesh-cc6fs]

Thanks for the Detailed explanation sir.😇😇👍👍

[@CameronMayfield719]

I’ve never seen anyone so excited about their brand new toilet room beforw

[@hippiegypsygirl]

The lengths they go through just to make people believe in this is nuts to me. So many people think they are smart for watching this

[@Trevor-08]

Bunch of clowns. I'm sure that actor had a good laugh after this.

[@joedirt6073]

Y'all really buy this BS?

[@asiano3385]

Just because you don't believe something does not make it false.

[@joedirt6073]

@@asiano3385 If you believe something does it make it true?

[@asiano3385]

@@joedirt6073 nice try m8.

[@joedirt6073]

@@asiano3385 You won't answer questions?

[@asiano3385]

@@joedirt6073 what questions? You are just trying to use a reverse logic and that is not a question. You rather should ask: "Why would you believe such things?" and "How can you believe it?" and "Why do you think that I don't believe it?" But since you are the one trying to disprove it and you had an argument first then I should be the one asking questions to you.

[@sujanjp9161]

Good information

[@asiyajyothish6702]

Thanks for the information..