In her book "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void," Mary Roach explores the fascinating and often humorous aspects of space travel. She highlights the complexities of human waste management in space, referencing how virtually any arrangement of amino acids can be broken down through hydrolysis. This speaks to the challenges astronauts face when it comes to their biological needs in a weightless environment.

Roach points out that a crew of four in space will produce around a thousand pounds of feces over three years, emphasizing the importance of considering waste reuse. Quoting space nutritionist Emil Mrak, she underscores the critical necessity of finding solutions for this issue, showcasing both the absurdity and ingenuity required for long-term space missions.