An Astronomical Potty

THE AGENDA FOR ASTRONAUTS ABOARD THE SPACE shuttle Endeavour includes launching a communications satellite, walking in space, chatting with students about weightlessness, ringing a tiny replica of the Liberty Bell to mark Clinton's Inauguration. Oh, and yes, they'll be trying out a new toothbrush holder (price: $200,000) and an improved space toilet that cost an astronomical $23 million.

The redesigned commode is more, well, commodious than earlier models. It features an 8-in.-diameter opening (twice as big as the old design); easy-to- replace canisters (solid matter used to collect in the bowl, and astronauts sometimes had to smash it down with a spatula); and (thank heavens) more powerful fans. As expensive as the device is, it was little wonder that Mission Control mildly admonished the crew for leaving the lid up and the fan going after they'd finished doing their business.