The International Space Station (ISS), 400 kilometers from Earth.

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RANDY BRESNIK / NASA / AFP

It may seem like a small detail to some, but the astronauts on the International Space Station will certainly appreciate: new toilets will be delivered soon.

Designed by NASA, they cost no less than 23 million dollars, or about 20 million euros, reports

Futura Sciences

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This new model of toilet will bring significant comfort to astronauts.

Indeed, even if they are 65% smaller and 40% lighter than the old ones, they have footrests as well as handles making it possible not to go in weightlessness.

For urine, astronauts will use a funnel connected to a hose while a seat is now provided for the stool.

We are live with the designers and developers of the new space toilet launching to the space station: https://t.co/7posgFOjED pic.twitter.com/D0uDRjDiLN

- NASA (@NASA) September 25, 2020

A test phase until 2024

A titanium fan will be responsible for sucking up the waste automatically, whereas the operation was manual until now, which will ensure a better smell in the space station.

These toilets will be equipped with a Universal Waste Management System which allows urine to be treated and recycled into water.

Wipes, gloves and toilet paper will be evacuated in waterproof bags while faeces will normally be stored to be returned to Earth for analysis.

These toilets will first be tested until the dismantling of the ISS in 2024. They could then be used on other space missions.

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