NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Body Waste 

Management

OCHMO-TB-041

Rev D 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

[V2 3006] Human-Centered Task Analysis

[V2 6059] Microbial Air Contamination

[V2 6063] Contamination Cleanup

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability

[V2 7017] Body Cleansing Privacy

[V2 7020] Body Waste Management 

Capability

[V2 7021] Body Waste Management System 

Location

[V2 7022] Body Waste Management Privacy

[V2 7023] Body Waste Management 

Provision

[V2 7024] Body Waste Accommodation

[V2 7025] Body Waste Containment

[V2 7026] Body Waste Odor

[V2 7027] Body Waste Trash Receptacle 

Accessibility

[V2 7029] Body Waste Management 

Maintenance

[V2 7101] Body Waste Isolation

[V2 7102] Body Waste Quantities

[V2 7035] Urine per Crewmember

[V2 7064] Trash Accommodation

[V2 7065] Trash Volume Allocation

[V2 7066] Trash Stowage Interference

[V2 7069] Labeling of Hazardous Waste

[V2 7081] Microbial Surface Contamination

[V2 7082] Surface Material Cleaning

[V2 7083] Cleaning Materials

Executive Summary

During spaceflight, proper elimination and 

containment of human waste (feces, urine, menses, 

and vomit) and related hygiene items is critical to 

consider when designing habitable volumes and 

capabilities for the crew. This should also include 

the periods of time when the crew will be suited for 

various activities or phases of the mission/flight. 

The waste management collection system and 

related products must be capable of collecting and 

containing maximum values of all forms of human 

waste. 

Due to the close quarters and time spent in both 

microgravity and partial gravity, body waste and 

odors can be difficult to contain. Contamination 

from body waste can enter the body through the 

eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and cuts in the skin, which 

can lead to a variety of illnesses and infections. 

Additionally, microgravity conditions can cause 

unintended free-floating waste that can 

inadvertently (and unknowingly) soil a 

crewmember. Methods to prevent crosscontamination need to be considered during the 

vehicle design process. These methods may include 

isolating the body waste system from the personal 

hygiene areas and the food system, maximizing the 

distance between the systems, and employing 

appropriate cleaning and filtering techniques. 
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Executive Summary (continued)

The trash volume will need to consider the stowage of 

body waste and the associated trash (wipes, feminine 

hygiene products, etc.) that is not able to be 

reprocessed for water reclamation or other recycling 

activities. 

2

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

[V2 7085] Fecal and Urine Elimination 

Concurrence

[V2 8001] Volume Allocation

[V2 8005] Functional Arrangement

[V2 8006] Interference

[V2 10003] Operability

[V2 11013] Suited Body Waste Management 

– Provision

[V2 11014] LEA Suit Urine Collection

[V2 11015] Suit Urine Collection per Day –

Contingency

[V2 11016] Suit Feces Collection per Day –

Contingency

[V2 11017] Suit Isolation of Vomitus

[V2 11028] EVA Suit Urine Collection

10/23/2023

Rev D

Houston We Have a Podcast

Elisca Hicks and Mike Berrill, crew systems operations 

instructors, answer top questions about space hygiene 

that NASA receives and help us understand how 

astronauts are trained to shower, shave, and go to the 

bathroom in space.

Ep144: Space Hygiene | NASA
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

3

Previous Concerns from Crew

• Odor control is important and will affect a crewmember’s appetite due to the strong smells 

following a bowel movement.

• Contamination from the Waste Management System (WMS) is difficult to mitigate when the food 

system is only 1-foot away.

• Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs) should be removed as soon as possible following suited 

ops due to skin irritations.

• Throughout the Apollo medical debriefs the crews reported that the system required ~45 minutes 

from start to finish for defecation.

• The fecal bag “doesn’t stick to your butt well”, so escapees happen and is described as “a complete 

mess.”

• The Urine Collection Device (UCD) is uncomfortable, frequently leaks, and causes some irritation 

when used.

• The backpressure of the urine bag contributes to in-flight Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). 

• Concerns about voiding capability and hardware set-up time during time-critical operations.

Risks from Body Waste and Hygiene Contamination

In-mission risk:

• Cross contamination with fecal matter and other human waste is a known human health risk which 

can cause deleterious medical events to the crews’ health and affect productivity (see medical 

event below). 

• Due to the distance from Earth and limited resources, the inability to treat unexpected medical 

events can lead to loss of mission.

Possible medical events associated with contamination from body waste or use of body waste system:

• Gastrointestinal Distress (including gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain)

• UTIs

• Skin Rashes 

• Infection

• Eye Irritation

Mission Duration 

Shorter missions generally require less extensive personal hygiene facilities. Additional guidelines for 

determining facility needs are discussed in the Architectural Considerations section of the Human 

Integration Design Handbook (HIDH). For safety and health reasons, hygiene facilities must be designed to 

accommodate partial-body or full-body cleansing before and/or after these functions:

• Urination and defecation

• Exercise

• Medical activities

• Experimentation or other work requiring specialized washing

• Meal consumption

• Accidental exposure to toxic substances

• Eye contamination

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

4

Feces

Fecal mass values are for the biological material only. 

Fecal collection and containment includes both the 

biological material and all hygiene products required 

for immediate body cleaning after defecation, but 

mass/volume quantities are limited to the body 

output only.

The body will generate a predictable quantity of fecal 

material based on food consumption and an 

individual’s metabolism. The variables to consider are 

the evacuation frequency and water content.

The collection capacity requirements account for the 

average healthy adult stool output/day (150 

g/defecation at a rate of twice per day). The number 

of defecations per day is individually variable ranging 

from 2/week to 5/day, with the assumed average of 

2/day.

Diarrhea

Diarrheal events are assumed to be in place of normal 

fecal elimination with the increased quantity based on 

increased water content and minor amounts of 

intestinal cellular material.

The 1.5 L of collection capacity requirement for 

diarrhea is based on the most likely maximal 

discharge in afflicted individuals. A crewmember could 

experience up to 8 diarrhea events (average volume 

of 0.5 L each) per day for up to 2 days, which must be 

accommodated. 

An artificial gravity study at the University of Texas 

Medical Branch and a Tufts University bed rest 

study examined the fecal weights of 32 subjects 

who consumed meals with a nutritional equivalent 

to that of current spaceflight meals. These studies 

resulted in an average of 137.69 grams/event with 

a maximum event of 504.21 grams (Warren et al., 

2007).

Note: Waste collection should accommodate all 

variations of stool, however “normal” feces is 

typically Types 3 & 4.

Vomitus

• Space Adaptation Syndrome (SAS) occurs in up to 70% of first-time fliers (30% of whom may 

experience vomiting) during the first 48 to 72 hours of microgravity. In addition, a possible water 

landing may cause crewmembers to succumb to sea sickness. The average number of vomiting 

episodes per crewmember will vary from 1 to 6 per day, over a 2- to 3-day period. 

• The waste management system must be capable of collecting and containing vomitus for up to 8 

events of an average of 500 mL each. The maximum volume of expelled vomitus can be 1 L of solids 

and fluids, with a fully distended stomach. The average volume of vomitus is more likely to be 200 to 

500 mL.

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

5

Urine 

The waste management system must be capable of collecting and containing a maximum total urine 

output volume of: Vu = 3 + 2t liters per crewmember, where t is the mission length in days. Urine 

production on the first day after launch is 3 liters per crewmember. Urine output may be slightly greater 

or less in different phases of the mission (associated with g-transitions) and with different fluid intake 

levels. The average void will vary from 100 to 500 mL. Rarely, a single void might be as much as 1 liter, so 

the equipment must be able to accommodate this maximum. 

The capability must exist to collect 1 liter of urine per crewmember per hour. The rate of urinary delivery 

into the system from the body will vary by gender (greater for females because of lower urethral 

resistance) but averages 10 to 35 mL/s. Maximum flow rate with abdominal straining in a female may be 

as high as 50 mL/s for a few seconds and must be accommodated. The number of urinations per day is 

individually variable, with an average of six times per day, which must be accommodated.

Anatomy Description

Dimension

Range (cm)

Male Femal

e

A Lateral separation of 

ischial tuberosity

10-14 11-

16

B Width of perineal 

furrow

7.5-9 7.5-9

C Anterior and 

posterior separation

between tuberosities 

and exterior urethral 

opening

13-27 6-9

D Anterior and 

posterior separation

between anus and 

external urethral 

opening

15-

30.5

9-

11.5

Anatomical Measurements for Body Waste Management 

Design

Reference Data

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

6

Reference Data

ISS Waste Management System

Menses

Approximately once every 26 to 34 days and lasting 4 to 6 days, approximately 80% released during 

first 3 days. The capability must exist to collect and contain 113.4 grams per female crewmember per 

cycle. 

Summary of Waste Standards

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Rev D Table 7.3-1—Body Waste Quantities 

Menses graphic illustrating the variability of flow and discharge during each cycle with 

corresponding product used. Note: the type of product used is determined by the female, 

cycle day, and individual flow.

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

7

Application

Design guidance and factors to consider:

• Protect crew from cross-contamination

o Isolation of contaminant-generating functions (e.g., body waste, trash) 

o Physical separation of contaminant-sensitive functions (e.g., food prep and consumption) is 

an alternative

o Provide adequate and appropriate provisions for cleaning and decontamination

• Control odor through ventilation and/or adequate containment

• Control microbial growth by using non-porous surfaces and providing appropriate and adequate 

cleaning provisions: [V2 7081] Microbial Surface Contamination; [V2 7082] Surface Material 

Cleaning, [V2 7083] Cleaning Materials. From: NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D.

• Involve the intended user in development and testing for their input on usability in the operating 

environment

o Impact of the lack of gravity during tasks

o Body waste handling and personal hygiene for male and female crew

• Perform analysis to determine total waste expected for the mission and design for stowage and 

disposal

Note: See back-up slide Application Considerations for additional questions to consider when designing waste 

management systems.

Example daily collection and containment requirements during possible scenarios:

1) Three Healthy crewmembers for both Feces and Urine

Feces

Average per day: 150 g x 3 crewmembers x 2 defecations = 900 g avg/day

Maximum per day: 500 g x 3 crewmembers x 2 defecations = 3000 g max/day

Urine

Average per day: 320 mL x 3 crewmembers x 7 events = 6.7 L avg/day

Maximum (assumption of only one max event): 

(1 L x 3 crewmembers) + (430 ml x 9 events x 3 crew) = 12.6 L max/day

2) Two Healthy crewmembers for Feces and One crewmember afflicted with 

Diarrhea

Feces

Average per day: 150 g x 2 crewmembers x 2 defecations = 600 g avg/day

Maximum per day: 500 g x 2 crewmembers x 2 defecations = 2000 g max/day

Diarrhea (value includes feces and expected higher water content)

Average per day: 500 mL x 1 crewmember x 8 events = 4.0 L avg/day

Maximum: 1500 mL x 1 crewmember x 8 events = 12 L max/day

Note: Calculations use the sample values in table noted for average urine quantities and occurrences. The urine max, fecal, 

and diarrhea amounts use values found in NASA-STD-3001.

Sample Urine Quantities Per 

Crewmember

Metric (Average) Qty

Events per day ~7

Maximum events per 

day

~9

Minimum events per 

day

~6.5

Volume (mL) 320

Maximum volume (mL) 430

Minimum volume (mL) 250

Note: Sample values from various 

crewmembers on ISS.

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

8

Application

Design and Operations Questions

 Where is the waste management system located in relation to the personal hygiene, sleeping quarters, food system, 

etc.?

o Odors from body waste are expected to occur and are undesirable.

o Contamination from the body waste system into the rest of the vehicle must be prevented.

o Is the location of the body waste system near the food prep and consumption areas?

o Are the crew and the food protected from microbial contaminants during waste management processes?

o Are the locations of the body waste facilities, personal hygiene, food preparation, and trash area near each other? 

Are they at risk of cross-contamination? Will they be used simultaneously, risking cross-contamination?

 Is there adequate space for the expected output of waste and materials used during the collection process?

 Is the trash expected to be handled/transferred within another vehicle? Other crew? Or “dumped”?

 How will the trash management system minimize microbial growth or the spread of microorganisms?

 How will odors from elimination and trash stowage be controlled?

o Will the crew be able to smell odors?

o The crew have noted previously that the smell from the waste management system and body waste have been an 

issue during food consumption times leading to loss of appetite and reduced caloric intake. 

 How much “involvement” from the crew is needed to control waste? (Do they have to “mix” their waste with product 

to neutralize?)

o The use of fecal bags previously required that the crew use a finger slot to remove feces from the body and then 

mix within the bag to neutralize. This was not desirable by the crew.

 What kind of medical equipment will be used? How will medical waste and biological waste be contained?

o Does the waste management system have the capability to contain sharp items and the associated biological 

waste?

o What kind of biological hazards are expected to be stored?

o How are biological hazards being stored? Is this storage near the food storage and prep areas? Or the personal 

hygiene and body waste areas?

 Can the crew immediately dispose of body waste and associated products after use?

o The crew will need to be able immediately and easily dispose of body waste and product to avoid contamination of 

the vehicle and other common areas.

o How are the crew collecting their waste (vomit, diarrhea, feces, urine, and menses)?

 Are the body waste management supplies within reach of the crew member during use?

 Will crew be able to immediately clean themselves or the area in case there is waste that is not properly contained or 

“escapes”?

 How will “splashing” be prevented?

 Will the crew be able to inspect their body to ensure they are clean of body waste due to difficulties in partial and 

microgravity, especially when waste is not contained properly?

 Will the crew have a level of privacy from the other crew (ex. curtain) during self-inspection, as well as during 

defection, urination, or feminine hygiene activities?

 How will the system be cleaned and sanitized?

o Can cleaning materials be used effectively without unwanted effects to the crew or systems?

o Are the materials safe in areas where food is consumed? Compatible with the air/water systems?

o Do the products leave unwanted or undesirable residues that could hinder or harm crew?

 Is daily or regular preventative maintenance required? If so, how long will this task take?

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Back-Up

9 10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Rev C  Rev D

• Updated information to be consistent with NASA-STD-3001 

Volume 1 Rev C and Volume 2 Rev D.

Rev B  Rev C

• Updated information to be consistent with NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 Rev B and Volume 2 Rev C.

Rev A  Rev B

• Slide 2

• Updated verbiage in examples.

Major Changes Between Revisions

10 10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 3006] Human-Centered Task Analysis Each human space flight program or project shall perform a 

human-centered task analysis to support systems and operations design. 

[V2 6059] Microbial Air Contamination The system shall provide air in the habitable atmosphere that is 

microbiologically safe for human health and performance.

[V2 6063] Contamination Cleanup The system shall provide a means to remove or isolate released 

chemical and biological contaminants and to return the environment to a safe condition.

[V2 7016] Personal Hygiene Capability Personal hygiene items shall be provided for each crewmember, 

along with corresponding system capabilities for oral hygiene, personal grooming, and body cleansing.

[V2 7017] Body Cleansing Privacy The system shall provide for privacy during personal hygiene activities.

[V2 7020] Body Waste Management Capability The system shall provide the capability for collection, 

containment, and disposal of body waste for both males and females.

[V2 7021] Body Waste Management System Location The body waste management system shall be 

isolated from the food preparation and consumption areas for aesthetic and hygienic purposes.

[V2 7022] Body Waste Management Privacy The system shall provide privacy during use of the body 

waste management system.

[V2 7023] Body Waste Management Provision Body waste management supplies shall be provided for 

each crewmember and be located within reach of crewmembers using the body waste management 

system.

[V2 7024] Body Waste Accommodation The body waste management system shall allow a crewmember 

to urinate and defecate simultaneously without completely removing lower clothing.

[V2 7025] Body Waste Containment The system shall prevent the release of body waste from the body 

waste management system.

[V2 7026] Body Waste Odor The system shall provide odor control for the body waste management 

system.

[V2 7027] Body Waste Trash Receptacle Accessibility Body waste management trash collection shall be 

accessible to and within reach of crewmembers using the body waste management system.

[V2 7029] Body Waste Management Maintenance All body waste management facilities and equipment 

shall be capable of being cleaned, sanitized, and maintained.

[V2 7101] Body Waste Isolation For missions greater than 30 days, the system shall provide separate 

dedicated volumes for body waste management and personal hygiene.

[V2 7102] Body Waste Quantities The human body waste management system shall be capable of 

collecting and containing the various human body waste as specified in Table 7.3-1—Body Waste 

Quantities, for the expected needs of each mission and task.

[V2 7035] Urine per Crewmember The human body waste management system shall be capable of 

collecting and containing urine for either processing or disposal of an average total urine output volume of 

Vu = 3 + 2.5t liters per crewmember, where t is the mission length in days.

[V2 7064] Trash Accommodation The system shall provide a trash management system to contain, 

mitigate odors, prevent release, and dispose of all expected trash.

[V2 7065] Trash Volume Allocation Trash stowage volumes shall be allocated for each mission.

Referenced Technical Requirements

11

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 7066] Trash Stowage Interference The system shall provide defined trash stowage that does not 

interfere with crew operations.

[V2 7069] Labeling of Hazardous Waste The hazard response level (HRL) of all liquids, particles, gases and 

gels shall be labeled on the outermost containment barrier in location(s) visible to crew.

[V2 7081] Microbial Surface Contamination The system shall provide surfaces that are microbiologically 

safe for human contact.

[V2 7082] Surface Material Cleaning The system shall contain surface materials that can be easily cleaned 

and sanitized using planned cleaning methods.

[V2 7083] Cleaning Materials The system shall provide cleaning materials that are effective, safe for 

human use, and compatible with system water reclamation, air revitalization, waste management 

systems, spacesuits and other spacecraft materials.

[V2 7085] Fecal and Urine Elimination Concurrence The body waste management system shall be capable 

of collecting and containing all waste during simultaneous defecation and urination.

[V2 8001] Volume Allocation The system shall provide the defined habitable volume and layout to 

physically accommodate crew operations and living.

[V2 8005] Functional Arrangement Habitability functions shall be located based on the use of common 

equipment, interferences, and the sequence and compatibility of operations.

[V2 8006] Interference The system shall separate functional areas whose functions would detrimentally 

interfere with each other. 

[V2 10003] Operability The system shall provide crew interfaces that enable tasks to be performed 

successfully within the appropriate time limit and degree of accuracy. 

[V2 11013] Suited Body Waste Management – Provision Suits shall provide for management of urine, 

feces, menses, and vomitus of suited crewmembers.

[V2 11014] LEA Suit Urine Collection LEA suits shall be capable of collecting a total urine volume of Vu = 

0.5 + 2t/24 L throughout suited operations, where t is suited duration in hours.

[V2 11015] Suit Urine Collection per Day – Contingency For contingency suited operations lasting longer 

than 24 hours, suits shall be capable of collecting and containing 1 L (33.8 fl oz) of urine per crewmember 

per day.

[V2 11016] Suit Feces Collection per Day – Contingency During contingency suited operations, suits shall 

be capable of collecting 75 g (0.17 lb ) (by mass) and 75 mL (2.5 fl oz) (by volume) of fecal matter per 

crewmember per day.

[V2 11017] Suit Isolation of Vomitus Suits shall be shown to not create any catastrophic hazards in the 

event of vomitus from the crewmember.

[V2 11028] EVA Suit Urine Collection EVA suits shall be capable of collecting a total urine volume of Vu = 

0.5 +2.24t/24 L, where t is suited duration in hours.

Referenced Technical Requirements

12

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website

10/23/2023

Rev D
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-042 Body Waste Management

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference List

1. Apollo Medical Summit, NASA/TM-2007-214755 

2. Apollo Flight Journal. NASA History Division. https://history.nasa.gov/afj/

3. Apollo Program Summary Report. NASA Johnson Report JSC-09423, April 1975. 

https://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/alsj-JSC09423.html

4. Human Integration Design Handbook (HIDH), Revision 1. (2014). 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/human_integration_design_handbook_revision_

1.pdf

5. Warrilow G, Kirkham C, Ismail KM, & Wyatt K. (2004). Quantification of menstrual blood loss. The 

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 6(2), DOI:10.1576/toag.6.2.88.26983.

6. Warren L, Paloski WH, & Camacho ME. (2007). Implementation of the NASA Artificial Gravity Bed Rest 

Pilot Study. Journal of Gravitational Physiology, 14(1).

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