How Nasa Changed Diapers

[DailyDi]

NASA's impact on diapers was more subtle.

The agency developed its adult diapers out of necessity. Astronauts floating outside their spacecraft on long spacewalks (which can last five to eight hours) can't just knock off for a bathroom break. During takeoff, astronauts may have to remain strapped for hours in back-laying chairs with their knees and legs above their heads -- a position that increases the need to urinate. Even if crew members dehydrate themselves before takeoff, nature will not be denied: The kidneys will still trickle out a milliliter of urine a minute. NASA estimates that astronauts expel around a liter of urine while in launch position [source: O'Driscoll].

To deal with these issues, NASA first developed the urine collection and transfer assembly, or UCTA, a precursor to the adult diaper that astronauts used throughout the early space program and the Apollo missions [source: Sauer and Jorgensen]. Astronauts wore the UCTA over the liquid cooling garment of the space suit. It connected to the astronaut via a roll-on cuff attached to a collection bag, which the crew could empty into a collection tank via a one-way valve [source: Smithsonian]. A separate system was in place for the astronauts to relieve themselves when not suited up for launch, extravehicular activity or emergency modes.

Waste disposal in space carries a load of unique problems. Any solution must be usable in gravity or weightless conditions, and must be workable within the size, weight and power constraints of spacecraft systems.

Despite much fiddling and adjustment throughout the early space program, NASA astronauts ultimately found the UCTA to be overly bulky, unsanitary and prone to problems, so NASA developed a Maximum Absorbency Garment, or MAG, for the shuttle program.

Although sometimes called space diapers, MAGs are more like hyperabsorbent bike shorts. Several thin layers of material move urine quickly away from the body, after which sodium polyacrylate, a super absorbent polymer (SAP) capable of taking on 400 times its weight in water, locks the moisture away. A MAG can soak up 2 liters (2.1 quarts) of liquid [source: O'Driscoll]. In a pinch, an astronaut can go 8 to 10 hours without needing a change [source: Gekas].

NASA didn't invent disposable diapers, adult diapers, sodium polyacrylate or SAPs. So it's not surprising that many adult diaper manufacturers attest that NASA did not influence their products. There is one somewhat ironic exception, however.

In 2007, astronaut Lisa Nowak thrust NASA "diapers" into the media spotlight when police in Orlando, Fla., charged her with the attempted kidnapping of U.S. Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman. Early reports described Nowak driving 950 miles (1,529 kilometers) across five states while wearing an astronaut diaper so that she could skip restroom breaks [source: Fromm]. Court documents later revealed that police actually reported finding two used toddler-sized diapers in Nowak's vehicle, along with packs of diapers in her trunk. Nowak, a mother of three, denies wearing a diaper on the trip, saying the nappies were from 2005, when she, her family and the rest of Houston were evacuated before the advancing Hurricane Rita [source: Schneider].

There was one positive outcome of the Nowak story: According to Steve Goelman, CEO of Unique Wellness, it inspired his company to create adult diapers based on NASA designs. Goelman's company wanted a longwearing garment that, like the MAG, would quickly wick moisture away from the skin and lock it away, thereby avoiding skin irritation and other health problems.

"It is only through NASA's technology and idea that we can achieve this and apply it to the health care industry," said Goelman.

Goelman believes that Nowak's story may have also helped remove some of the stigma associated with adult incontinence, and that it raised awareness of other uses of adult diapers, such as by race car drivers and skiers.

It just goes to show, you never know where a good idea will come from.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/nasa-inventions/nasa-change-diapers2.htm/printable

[sarah_ab]

although you cited sources they were not in proper apa format nor was a reference sheet given ... however the quality of you research and write up was quite well done ... therefore a grade of 95% will be awarded.

awesome post!!!! fun to read as well

[LuvsGurl]

A factual article, properly researched... just need the bibliography for it to be complete.

[Guest Sasha]

although you cited sources they were not in proper apa format nor was a reference sheet given ... however the quality of you research and write up was quite well done ... therefore a grade of 95% will be awarded.

awesome post!!!! fun to read as well

APA, Scources, and Bibliographies can all go to hell. Bane of my existance.

[LilFozzyJ5]

very cool info man, really interesting read.

[FretaBWet]

Wow, maybe we should all send Lisa Nowak a thank you card. Great information, thanks DailyDi.

Hugs,

Freta

[hidden]

It's a shame that NASA will essentially be no more at the end of the year... We will be using Russian vehicles to get to space in 2012...

[Crimson_Wolf]

although you cited sources they were not in proper apa format nor was a reference sheet given ... however the quality of you research and write up was quite well done ... therefore a grade of 95% will be awarded.

awesome post!!!! fun to read as well

You gave him five points off for improper APA format. Other instructors give 15-20 points off.

[sarah_ab]

Well it didn't seem prudent to give that much off, as this was an informal assignment, and no actual criteria was given regarding formatting... so while it is presumed one would use proper citation.... if not clearly stated in the assignment or syllabus, it would be unethical to take off that many points.

[BBB]

Yeah, but nothing about NASA "changing" diapers....

[turtlepins]

We are now required to use correct grammar and writing techniques? Formal register is required in our posts? Wow! LOL Just kidding. I know it was all in fun! That aside, great article! Thanks. Despite Kate Turabian throwing in the diaper, I mean towel, it was an interesting read.

[Repaid1]

Am I the only one that thinks that was a cut and paste from another source?

[DailyDi]

Am I the only one that thinks that was a cut and paste from another source?

Are you accusing me of something???

I DID link to the original, lol.

[AutieAB]

It's a shame that NASA will essentially be no more at the end of the year... We will be using Russian vehicles to get to space in 2012...

I wonder what Russian astro-diapers are like?

[drynot]

I wonder what Russian astro-diapers are like?

In soviet Russia....diaper wears YOU!!

[AutieAB]

In soviet Russia....diaper wears YOU!!

It says something about the power of the urban legend that the fifth result on google for "russian space diaper" is Lisa Nowak's Wiki page

[Letluvsrool]

Ugh I hate APA format. MLM makes so much more sense!

[square_duck]

If NASA is changing diapers now, they are taking their sweet time about it! I'm still waiting for them to change MINE!

It's getting

STIN_KAYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[gbw_dl]

Great history lesson!

[sarah_ab]

Ugh I hate APA format. MLM makes so much more sense!

mlm? or mla?