HEALTH AND SANITATION 31
With the resources of Duravit at her disposal , Wuelker tested various centrifugal simulations , using fluids with a range of viscosity to mimic urine , feces , menses , and vomit . The design came in below NASA ’ s specifications for weight and energy consumption , and Wuelker believes that the design will work even faster in lower gravity . “ For the Lunar Loo Challenge , it was not necessary to separate urine and feces ,” she said . “ However , I think that this would be a concern if a permanent moon base is built . In principle , it is possible to separate urine and feces using a centrifuge . That would allow urine treatment to reuse the water .”
Thomas Stammel , chief technical officer at Duravit AG , congratulated Wuelker on her winning design . “ We are extremely proud that Franziska Wuelker was able to conceive and complete such an ingenious project alongside her regular work .”
On the other side of the earth , in Mariposa , California , Grace Hespenheide would likely agree with Wuelker ’ s hopes to reuse the water on a future moon base . “ Water for toilets is very wasteful ,” she said .
imagining people in space 254 miles above the Earth . Those scientists are performing important experiments .” But despite her enthusiasm for space exploration , Hespenheide does not envision herself leaving the confines of earth any time soon . “ I would not want to be an astronaut ,” she said . “ Just with all the things that could happen , I like Earth better .”
“ It was a real honour to look at some of your submissions ,” said NASA ’ s Director , STEM engagement , Diane Detroye as part of a Zoom briefing held for finalists in NASA ’ s Lunar Loo Junior challenge . “ There were lots of clever ideas , really great descriptions and some really thoughtful presentations about your designs . Now I am excited to welcome you as part of the Artemis generation , because you ’ re here and you ’ re helping us get back to the moon .” PA
“ During the summer of 2020 , NASA asked innovators from around the world to provide new designs for the Lunar Loo Challenge .”
Hespenheide is a 9-year-old fourth grader , homeschooling due to the coronavirus pandemic . That has not stopped her from looking up at the sky in her rural community , which often offers a star-filled sky thanks to limited light pollution . “ I got a telescope for my birthday and make my dad take it out at night ,” she said .
As someone who regularly follows news about NASA and SpaceX , Hespenheide was naturally excited about the Lunar Loo competition and entered herself . As a part of her process , the grade schooler , who enjoys math , studied worm , compost , and fire toilets . Her design uses a liner with a chemical that “ solidifies the waste so you could capture it instead of it floating away . The liner is then twisted off for easy disposal .”
“ I like to look at the craters on the moon ,” Hespenheide said . “ I go outside and watch the ISS pass overhead . I like
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