Fundamental Verification of a Peristaltic Motion Type Device to Transport Feces in Microgravity Environments

—Evaluation of Transport Performance using Simulated Feces of Different Bristol Scales—

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the transport performance of our proposed device, based on transportation experiments conducted with three types of simulated feces, each exhibiting different physical characteristics according to the Bristol Scale, which evaluates fecal hardness. In long-term space missions, the environment is maintained through regenerative and recycling processes, including the recycling of carbon dioxide, sweat, and other materials. The authors are developing a feces transport device to facilitate the recycling of feces. The results of the transportation experiments with simulated feces of varying Bristol Scale types indicate that the device successfully transported feces regardless of their physical characteristics.