A major revolution is quietly taking place in space research. Simple everyday activities on Earth like bathing, eating, and using the toilet become quite a complex task in space. For instance, since water is limited in space, drinking water is obtained by purifying astronauts' urine or sweat. However, in the past, when building spaceships or spacecraft, only men's various problems were kept in mind. But now the time has changed. Women are also regularly setting foot outside Earth. And so a major question has emerged—how can periods or menstruation be managed while staying in space? NASA's new research on this has opened up a new horizon for space missions.
Why was menstruation difficult in space before?
Scientists had strange fears about menstruation in space. Earlier, it was assumed that in zero gravity, blood might not flow out of the body naturally. Rather, it could go in the opposite direction and remain inside the body.
Though this assumption was later proven wrong, the real problem lay elsewhere. As mentioned earlier, water is available in very limited quantities in spacecraft. So there is a severe shortage of space for cleaning or disposing of waste (used pads or tampons).
To avoid this hassle, most female astronauts would take hormone pills to stop their periods.
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Why is NASA testing new solutions for menstruation?
NASA's new bet for solving the problem of menstruation in space is the 'Menstrual Cup'.
The reason is simple: all waste materials in spacecraft are stored in sealed containers and disposed of after returning to Earth. Meanwhile, using pads or tampons during periods creates a large amount of waste, which is almost impossible to store in the small waste storage space of spacecraft.
On the other hand, a single silicone cup can be washed and reused repeatedly, lasting for years. As a result, there would be no need to carry thousands of pads on long space missions like those to Mars.
However, there's one challenge—how easy it will be to clean this cup while floating or in microgravity. Intensive testing is now underway on this matter.
Menstrual cups are being considered as a sustainable solution for periods in space
What do astronauts currently use during menstruation?
Currently, astronauts have two options. Either they take hormone suppression pills to stop menstruation, or they use regular pads or tampons. However, in the confined environment of a spacecraft, that accumulated waste and odour becomes a major problem.
NASA wants to ensure that nothing is imposed on astronauts. They should be able to stay in space in a healthy and natural way, following their body's natural rhythm.
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Why is it for the future?
NASA's 'Artemis' mission and future Mars missions lie ahead. These missions may require staying in space for several months or years. There, it's impossible to send new supplies from Earth.
Therefore, a sustainable and waste-free solution to the menstruation problem is needed. Considering both the physical health and mental comfort of astronauts, NASA is desperate to make this alternative solution for periods or 'Menstrual Cup', successful.
In today's world, Space doesn't just belong to men, but also to women. So its arrangements must also be suitable for everyone.
