The mission of the US space shuttle Endeavour had to be extended by one day in order to fix the machine, which is designed to convert urine into drinking water. NASA now must decide whether the contraption, deemed essential for hydration of future astronauts traveling farther out into space, should return with the space shuttle Edeavour on Sunday or remain on the ISS for further testing, according to the Associated Press.

The system is crucial for future missions to the orbiting outpost, as it is expected to double the size of occupancy from three to six residents next year. The device is part of a $250 million new life-support system aboard the station that shut down during three previous attempts to purify urine.

Moreover the good news is that Endeavour's seven astronauts and the three crew members at the international space station will take a break from their chores and gather for their special meal Thanksgiving Day. The last time a space shuttle crew ate their holiday meal in space was six years ago. The amusing thing is that instead of sitting at a large Thanksgiving dinner table, the astronauts will float around as they eat.

"It gives us a moment to pause and reflect just how fortunate we are as a country and as global community," said Endeavour commander Christopher Ferguson from the space station. "We're thankful for that, in addition to the opportunity to fly in space."
As well as the recycling unit, the space station has been fitted with a new freezer, a scientific oven, two sleeping quarters, exercise equipment, an additional toilet and new food preparation facilities. Therefore for the Thanksgiving dinner, the smoked turkey was irradiated and the green beans and dressing were freeze-dried, a form of dehydration. The candied yams and dessert were heated.