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You asked:
How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space? — Bill, Portland, Ore.
Marshall Answered:
Astronauts have two options. The astronauts on the moon missions, and astronauts sitting for the launch pad in the space shuttle, use diapers. They are a little gross, but they are also easy, fool-proof and lightweight.
Once the shuttle is in space, there is a space toilet that is available. The International Space Station uses the same kind of thing. Without any gravity to pull things down, these toilets use airflow instead. A vacuum system sucks up urine for recycling, and airflow around the seat pulls poop down. It’s not perfect, but it beats diapers.
For more info see: How space toilets work
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