AFWERX innovation transitions from fighter cockpits to NASA spaceflight

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir poses with the Airion Advanced Inflight Relief Universal System (AIRUS) aboard the International Space Station on an unknown date. The AIRUS bladder relief system, originally developed through the AFWERX Sky High Relief Challenge to improve in-flight bladder relief for military aviators, launched aboard NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 13, 2026, as a technology demonstration. The effort highlights how Air Force-driven innovation transitioned from addressing an operational need for Airmen to supporting long-duration human spaceflight. (Courtesy photo/NASA)

PHOTO BY: NASA

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