We developed a waste management system to be incorporated into an existing spacesuit. The goal was to remove up to seven liters of waste away from an astronaut's body with a hands free system.
Convenience of Adult Diapers inspired my innovation of the spacesuit waste management system; it is important because of astronaut safety and would make traveling the universe a safer endeavor impact.
A 16 year belief that peeing your pants can oftentimes be a better solution than finding a toilet during life's most precious moments. The stigma can be replaced with the idea of convenience and passion for maximizing important moments in life. The challenge is a marketing issue, because the technology is there. An endorsement from NASA in the business of personal waste management would be incentive to launch a new line of adult diapers for those who want them, not need them.
Typically when I mention that adult diapers are practically necessary for passionate people to fully enjoy their most precious experiences, I typically get a "wow..." from my audience. This story starts 16 years ago when my dad and I first experienced the potential that adult diapers have to offer. It goes through our reasons to joining the Space Poop Challenge. Then it dives into the concept development, re-development, and re-re-development as we experience epiphanies concerning the challenges along the way. My favorite parts deal with the insane conversations we had while debating potential solutions for pooping in space.
I really want to say thank you NASA and HeroX for opening up this competition to the public. It was truly a great experience to learn and flex our creative problem solving muscles. Even if we don't win, we have a great story to share with others, who are usually amazed and enjoy discussing the oddity and necessity of the challenge.
