Nov 25, 2016 07:00 AM EST By yasi bilangel, UniversityHerald Reporter

The NASA "Space Poop Challenge" is the agency's recourse to gather innovative ideas to resolve the waste system dilemma for suited astronauts in space. The solution will ensure the well-being of astronauts, who need to be suited up for as long as six days for NASA deep space missions.

Astronauts during launch and spaceflight missions are often suited up to prepare for any unforeseen events. They could stay in their suits for as long as ten hours and if they need to urinate or defecate, they are required to wear diapers.

However, NASA is envisioning more deep space explorations in the future, which could require astronauts to stay suited for as long as six days or 144 hours. This is where the dilemma presents itself for diapers will not be a practical and hygienic solution.

The astronauts could face infection or sepsis, which could endanger their lives. The NASA "Space Poop Challenge" may seem ludicrous, but the underlying rationale is far more serious with the lives of the astronauts on the line as Time has reported.

For this reason, NASA launched the competition and even offered a reward of $30,000 US dollars to the most winning idea submitted. The contest rules are written in the contest website Hero X and submission is only until Dec. 20.

The important mechanics in the NASA "Space Poop Challenge" include the hands-free routing of waste and even menstrual flow to a system that takes into consideration the effects of microgravity. The weak gravity radically changes how things on Earth move, which provides an extra challenge to contest participants.

NASA plans to test the most promising ideas and then carry out the system in the next four to five years. The American space agency has already scheduled deep space missions in the near future and it can only progress after a successful NASA "Space Poop Challenge." NASA maintains that the lives and well-being of the astronauts are the top priority of the agency.

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