Scat, the Final Frontier

Here's what the U.S./Russian space race has evolved into. No wonder the Soviets couldn't tackle "Star Wars" technology.

AFP - May 31, 2008

The International Space Station commode malfunctioned last week, forcing the three ISS astronauts to rig up a still-troublesome bypass for liquid waste.'

Discovery is taking along a spare pump from Russia, which the two cosmonauts on the station are expected to install as soon as the shuttle arrives.

Until the repair is complete, the three-member station crew will use the shuttle's toilet -- or they will use extra emergency bags that Discovery is also bringing.

Asked in Sunday's interviews who would do the plumbing repair, [NASA astronaut Michael] Fossum said: "The fact is that the toilet is Russian hardware ... (but) if they need a hand and some wrenches we'll help out."

Here's a demo of how the commode is SUPPOSED to work.