Smithsonian Institution
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Asset Name:
media:NASM-A20100112000cp01

File Usage:

Not determined
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page at https://www.si.edu/Termsofuse


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Object details:

Object Name: Urine Collection Device (UCD), Contingency Bag
Smithsonian Record ID: edanmdm:nasm_A20100112000

	Object Name
	Urine Collection Device (UCD), Contingency Bag

	Metadata Usage
	Not determined

	Guid
	http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9642b58e5-d26c-4bd3-8a09-d0ae76658e01

	Data Source
	National Air and Space Museum

	Materials
	Plastic

	Materials
	Synthetic Rubber

	Materials
	Latex

	Materials
	Steel

	Materials
	Chrome Plating

	Materials
	Ink

	Dimensions
	Overall: 5 3/8in. x 1ft 3 7/8in. (13.72 x 40.32cm)

	Dimensions
	Overall: 1 1/16in. (2.7cm)

	Dimensions
	Overall: 2 1/2in. x 2 1/4in. (6.35 x 5.72cm)

	Dimensions
	Overall: 1ft 1in. x 1ft 6 3/4in. (33.02 x 47.63cm)

	Summary
	Before spacecraft included a toilet, as the Shuttle did, and when all astronauts were male, personal urine collection devices were used. They consisted of a wearable containment belt, latex roll-on cuff, plastic tube, valve and clamp, and a plastic collection bag. Connected carefully, this device was generally effective but sometimes messy. As women entered the astronaut corps in the Space Shuttle era, new sanitary solutions were necessary to handle the basic human need to urinate when a toilet was not accessible. Eventually male astronauts also adopted more convenient methods. NASA gave this old-style disposable urine collection device to the Museum, along with new options: a variety of disposable absorbent underwear.

	Country of Origin
	United States of America

	Credit Line
	Transfer from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

	Inventory Number
	A20100112000

	Type
	PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Hygiene & Waste Management

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