URINE STOWAGE SYSTEM FOR SPACECRAFT

A waste handling system (10) includes a waste processing unit (12) that includes a urine inlet (22) configured to receive urine from a urinal (20). A pumping element (18) is fluidly connected between the urine inlet (22) and the urine outlet (30). A distribution system (36) with a differential pressure valve (48) selectively fluidly connects the urine outlet (30) to first and second urine storage containers (58, 60). The distribution system (36) includes a switching system that selectively fluidly connects the urinal (20) to the first and second urinal storage containers (58, 60) in response to an input. Each urine storage containers (58, 60) includes a cavity with a bag (32, 34). The bag (32, 34) is movable between first and second volumes. An electrical switch (68, 70) communicates with the bag (32, 34) and includes first and second contact elements (72, 74, Fig 3) biased apart from one another in a first condition that corresponds to the first volume. The first and second contact elements electrically engage one another in a second condition corresponding to the second volume.