Collection, compaction and storage of solid waste for space missions.

Efficient trash collection and volume reduction becomes very important during extended, manned space flight missions because of the high rate of crew member generated trash and the limited volume available to store this trash. Trash management in manned space flight vehicles requires that the following considerations be addressed: definition of the trash model including quantities/rates of generation and the physico-chemical characteristics of the trash; methods of collection and temporary stowage prior to treatment or processing; the methods of treatment/processing to affect biochemical stabilization and volume reduction; and storage of treated/processed trash prior to final disposition. This paper discusses trash management design approaches with focus on trash collection, compaction and storage. This paper also discusses the trash compactor design currently being developed for the Space Station Freedom program.