Artemis II astronauts report burning smell from malfunctioning $23M toilet

nypost.com ^ | April 4, 2026 | Shane Galvin

[V_TWIN]

Astronauts on board Artemis II reported a mysterious burning smell coming from the $23 million advanced toilet system which previously malfunctioned after takeoff.

“Regarding the smell, I just wanted to make sure you all were tracking the EGS notes of the kind of burning heater smell that was coming from toilet several times,” astronaut Chrisna Koch, who fixed the toilet on Thursday, radioed to mission control on Saturday, Space.com reported.

[KarlInOhio]

Call Roto Rooter that’s the name and away go troubles down the drain!

"There is no down in space! There is no down in space!" the crew screamed as the toilet spewed everything outward.

[volare737]

Yes, very,,,,,,,A cabin fire is much more dangerous than an engine fire or failure—which are both not that difficult to handle.

[Reily]

I bet same contractor!

[Libloather]

Check the warranty.

[Vermont Lt]

They used the yellow paneling? How could you design that outhouse and not use old pine paneling like you had in the basement when you were a kid. These engineer have no sense of humor.

[wildcard_redneck]

No matter how advanced we get, when you’re on the edge of civilization you still have to crap in a hole.

[Deaf Smith]

>>several ice cream buckets with lids

In zero gravity, things won’t drop into the bucket.

[wildcard_redneck]

There’s always plastic bags.

[volare737]

Yep, toilet paper must be an MEL item…..lol

[FLNittany]

Taco Bell?

[ducttape45]

At first glance I thought this was either a Babylon Bee or an April’s Fools article. But I guess it’s the real deal.

[Mr. K]

I would have done a 10 day TEST MISSION ORBITING EARTH BEFORE SENDING 4 PEOPLE TO THE MOON

[volare737]

Yes, never saw Star Trek mention the restrooms on the Enterprise!

[Deaf Smith]

Origin of the term Hanging Chads.

[OldHarbor]

All of sudden the shitter is the most confounding piece of equipment aboard a Space ship or aircraft carrier

[volare737]

Agreed, I don’t know what they gained other than more risk and more publicity.

[ridesthemiles]

NEVER HAD ANY SUCH THING IN THE OUT HOUSE BEHIND THE ONE ROOM SCHOOL I WENT TO————:) :) :)

[MortMan]

Shut down the toilet and you’ll need extra shorts.

[volare737]

and panties….

[MomwithHope]

Seems to me disposable diapers would have been a whole lot easier. Plus plenty of wipes.