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Active TRL 7 (started at 1, targeting 9)
This project provides metabolic waste management technologies for exploration to reduce mass and volume and improve the crew experience. The Alternate Fecal Canister (AFC) is a collapsible alternative to the Hard-Sided Fecal Canister (HFC) provided by the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) project. The AFC will be tested on the UWMS on ISS when it is restored to operation. The AFC will also fly on Orion's Artemis-3.
The AFC is the same size as the HFC so it fits into the UWMS with no modifications to the UWMS. A connection point that hold the item open is added to the HFC lifting mechanism. The AFC weighs about a pound less than the HFC and can be collapsed for empty stowage saving space for up-mass.
Reductions in mass and volume for metabolic waste management increase available space for other cargo, both for science and crew comfort. For long duration exploration missions, the number of collection devices and consumables like wipes and gloves adds up based on the number of crewmembers and the number of days and quickly becomes a large number. Making the canisters used for collection and storage of the fecal waste lighter helps in spacecraft design.
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This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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