NASA unveils $32m toilet for astronauts

Astronauts are getting a new $32m toilet which will make answering the call of nature in space a lot easier.

The special "space loo" will be sent to the International Space Station next week by NASA for astronauts to test out in microgravity.

It could be used on future missions to the moon and Mars.

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The new loo is 65 per cent smaller and 40 per cent lighter than the older space toilets, NASA says.

It's called the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), and will be launched into space on a supply mission tomorrow.

NASA Advanced Exploration Systems Logistics Reduction project manager Melissa McKinley said the essential piece of gear, "builds on previous spaceflight toilet design".

"The big key to the exploration piece of the design is looking to optimise mass volume and power usage, which are all very important components of a spacecraft design," Ms McKinley said.

Features include a urine funnel for men, and a seat that's more "accommodating" for female crew.

Astronauts' urine is processed and recycled for reclaimed water.

Space expert, and Orion spacecraft lead, Jason Hutt said on Twitter last month he has been working on "odour control" for the Orion spacecraft toilet.

The craft will carry astronauts into deep space.

"No Frebreeze, Glade or candles allowed," he said.