Hygiene in Space : How Astronauts Keep Themselves Clean in Orbit

Astronauts are subjected to a condition called microgravity, which limits daily actions like basic morning routines. For this reason, numerous techniques and strategies have been developed at the ISS to maintain good hygiene and a clean environment on space stations. In orbit, efficiency is key because nothing can be wasted. 

Image credits: Theconversation.com

Going to the bathroom

In 1961, Alan Shepard, known as the first American astronaut in space, had to pee inside his spacesuit during his first trip in orbit, due to a delay of his launch. 

The first toilet in orbit was designed in 2000 but it was very difficult to use, especially for women, because it was necessary to pee while standing. Plus, when astronauts had to poop, they were forced to tie their legs with tight straps to stay still on the small toilet. It was very dangerous and was hard to keep clean. Fortunately, today astronauts are able to use a proper toilet when needed. 

In orbit, there is no gravity to push down the excrement. Toilets in orbit use airflow to counteract microgravity. The new vacuum toilet is composed of a hose for peeing and a small raised seat for solid excrement. The urine is sent through the air flow towards a proper urine receptacle, which is a hose that pushes it into a machine called Environmental Control and Life Support System, which reprocesses urine into water again. 

As they say in orbit, “Today’s coffee is tomorrow’s coffee.” Indeed, since that urine is composed of 90% of water, it is recycled and turned into drinkable water.

The solid excrements are put through the airflow in waste bags placed in an isolated disposable can. Astronauts have to program their time in the toilet because they must turn on the system and check if everything is working properly.

Image credit: Buffalo.edu

Aboard the  Orion,  the exploration vehicle that will bring the NASA crew members on Artemis missions to the Moon and back,  a new toilet has been developed with fewer mechanical parts that is easier to use. 

Taking a Shower

When astronauts need to shower, they don’t have access to the structures used on Earth.

On the ISS, there are many ways to clean the body, such as using a drink bag, filled with portable water. 

There is also a more sustainable method which involves a towel  dipped in soap that is then used with  the water from the drink bag. It’s  like sponge bathing because the towel is passed over the entire body. To rinse, you spray little drops of water which will stick to the body by surface tension. Then,  rinse and dry off everything by reusing the towel. 

When astronauts shower, they use the  same mindset as a sailor: shower quickly and use as little water as possible. To wash hair, astronauts put some drops of water on their scarf from the drink bag and mix it with a few millilitres of shampoo.

Every astronaut receives a towel every 5 days, so everyone learns to be careful with the amount of water and soap. The towel is air dried, and the wastewater is sent into the regeneration system to be used again for disposable water. When the towels are not used for showers, they are used for housekeeping and then disposed of. 

Brushing teeth 

Since there is no sink to brush your teeth, astronauts spit everything out in a towel — which is then hung to dry and be reclaimed. 

Every astronaut has their personal kit to keep their personal hygiene products, like soap, toothbrush, and towels. In this way, everybody has designated private areas, without waiting for other people. In a 3-week cycle, they receive a fresh toothbrush supply as well.  

Housekeeping 

Every weekend, astronauts receive a schedule with  housekeeping chores,  which include vacuuming all the vents, wiping down hard surfaces, walls, ceilings, and anything that needs special attention. 

Shaving

Crew members who need to shave use many tools: electric razor, manual razor, a supply of either shaving gel or cream.

It is not possible to waste any water. When they use electric razors, in order to avoid messing up the area, the personal hygiene area has some vents. For haircuts, astronauts become hairdressers;salon scissors are used in orbit and  on Earth. When someone desires a new haircut, there are astronauts that have learned how to create beautiful hairstyles. 

They can use the barber hair clipper and a regular grade salon scissors. The vent is not enough to clean all the mess, so they use a vacuum cleaner. It's teamwork: one person cuts someone’s hair and the other keeps a clipper hose next to the scalp to catch the loose hairs. 

Changing clothes

Astronauts have their daily wear, exercise clothing and sleepwear but they do not change everyday. In orbit, patience is key. 

Like towels, it is necessary to use clothes for a long period of time: every 30 days, a new pair of pants is received. Plus, there is no washing machine, so after clothes are used, they are put in trash. Of course, the ISS is a very controlled environment, so temperature and humidity are very controlled and humans do not sweat like on Earth. There exists a type of pants used in space, called the “space pants” which are made with Velcro. 

On a typical six-month launch, astronauts receive a pair of pants every 6 months so they also have to be careful to not gain too much weight because they will have to fit for a very long time. 

Maintaining a hygienic environment aboard space stations is critical for astronauts’ health and mission success. From brushing teeth and showering in microgravity to managing chores like waste disposal or laundry with limited resources, these practices foster a sense of routine and wellbeing in the extreme conditions of space.

Yours truly,

Alice Coppini

Writer, Writers Team

Sources:

Gregg, Tracy. “How Do Astronauts Pee in Space?” Www.buffalo.edu, 23 Mar. 2021, www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2021/03/gregg-conversation-bathroom-space.html.

“Life in Space.” Www.esa.int, European Space Agency, www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Lessons_online/Life_in_Space.

“Space Hygiene - NASA.” NASA, NASA, 15 May 2020, www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/space-hygiene/.