Space Shuttle toilets are quite distinctive compared to standard toilets, as they are designed specifically for use in a zero-gravity environment. The original design featured a unique system with high-speed blender blades located just below the seat. This innovative mechanism, operating at 1,200 rpm, was intended to handle waste effectively by pulverizing feces and tissue into smaller pieces to manage the challenges of space travel.

The maceration process ensured that waste was processed properly, separating the toilet paper from the other materials. This design was crucial for maintaining sanitation in the confined space of the shuttle, allowing astronauts to have a practical solution for their biological needs despite the unusual conditions of outer space.