The saying, "When you've got to go, you've got to go!" comes to mind in a very sharp way right now. I know it's important... but WOW that's a lot of money for an bathroom!

I guess that the price includes shipping....

This is exactly the reason why I don't support the space program at all. Ever since I was a kid I have loved the idea of space travel and although I continue to have a facination with it maybe we should put the money for the space program into FIXING our own countries. The fact is that the united states has a high rate of homeless, jobless, and drug addicted but HEY let's throw $19 Million at a toilet.

I can appreciate those of you who wonder if the space program is even worth it. Justin mentions homelessness, unemployment etc as much better uses of that money. I have always believed that we cannot just concentrate on what's gone wrong in our society. Of course we should combat homelessness and the like, and indeed money is spent on these issues. However, we MUST also continue to invest in exploration, research and in the expanding of our knowledge and horizons. I bet you take your microwave for granted. We wouldn't have it if it were not for the space program.

Seems like a lot of money for a toilet but, after all, ISS crews are spending increasing longer periods of time in orbit and having a decent bathroom is a legitimate concern. As long as all options (cheaper solutions) are weighed accordingly, I have no problem with it.

Ummm sweet but I think I'll bring my own water.. unless they're going to be using the recycled water for plants.. which i somehow doubt.

The water produced by the Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) is cleaner than any municipal water we drink here on earth. The $19m system is able to filter nearly all pathegens from urine as well as extract mosture from the air inside ISS which is expelled as a natural part of breathing and from our skin. The recycled water is for rehydration of food & drink. The cost saving to the space program in not shuttling water in to space will far out weigh the $19m price tag.

The price for a gallon of ISS water is 83k (based on $10k per pound launch cost from NASA's website). The new system can recycle up to 120 lbs (14 gallons) of water daily. That is a cost savings of 1.2M/day or 432M/year so in 15 days the 19M toilet has paid for itself.

That is my 2 cents.