Eating from pouches, sleeping in a bag tied to the wall, and using a vacuum-powered toilet: these are just some of the basic processes of human life that require scientifically tested solutions in space. Menstruation is no different, and female astronauts must meticulously plan for it, especially as missions grow longer and more complex.
Astrobiologist Lígia Coelho, a 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow in astronomy at the College of Arts and Sciences and a fellow at the Carl Sagan Institute, is at the forefront of this effort. “We are developing so many systems, making humans survive in a place we’re not supposed to be,” Coelho stated. “The farther we go, to the moon and Mars, that’s becoming harder and harder.”
Testing Menstrual Cups in Space
To provide astronauts with more health choices for future missions, Coelho leads research with AstroCup, a group that recently tested two menstrual cups in spaceflight conditions. These tests were conducted as payload on an uncrewed rocket flight, with the container designed by aerospace engineers to measure temperature, acceleration, and humidity. The results were published in the paper “One Giant Leap for Womankind: First Menstrual Cup Tested in Spaceflight Conditions” on December 2 in npj Women’s Health.
The research team, including Catarina Miranda, Miguel Morgado, and Diogo Nunes from the University of Lisbon, as well as João Canas from aerospace company SpinWorks, found that the silicon menstrual cups, manufactured by Finland-based Lunette, retained their structural integrity and functionality throughout the flight. The cups withstood 9.3 minutes of flight and extreme acceleration, particularly during liftoff and just before parachute deployment for landing.
“The first time something is done on a rocket payload, the paper is used as methodology precedent,” Coelho explained. “We wanted to have a bulletproof methodology that can be replicated by other people.”
Implications for Long-Duration Space Missions
These findings are significant as they demonstrate that a standard silicon menstrual cup can function effectively in spaceflight conditions. Coelho and her team are advocating for a broader discussion within the space industry regarding menstrual health autonomy.
Currently, most astronauts who menstruate suppress their cycles hormonally on missions lasting up to six months. While pads or tampons can be packed, dealing with these single-use materials on extended missions to the moon or Mars is unsustainable. Moreover, hormonal suppression becomes more challenging over longer durations, requiring years of medication. NASA is also investigating potential links between hormonal suppression and blood clots.
Without viable options, female astronauts on missions lasting five to ten years or more might face the prospect of putting their reproductive health on hold. Furthermore, using preferred menstrual care methods could enhance astronauts’ productivity and well-being during lengthy missions.
Future Steps and Broader Impact
Cleaning and reusability are key considerations, but portable sterilization kits used for camping or hiking could be adapted for space. Menstrual underwear is another potential solution, aligning with current practices where astronauts wear single-use underwear on the International Space Station.
In February, the AstroCup team sent menstrual cups with crew members on the simulated Hypatia II Mission at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah to gather data on usability and astronauts’ reactions. Their next goal is to send more rocket payloads into space, with the aim of placing various menstrual devices on the International Space Station.
“It’s validated, it works,” Coelho affirmed. “Now we can start implementing and redefine health autonomy in space.”
The development of menstrual health solutions for space is not just about convenience; it is essential for the health and autonomy of astronauts on long-duration missions. As space exploration continues to push boundaries, ensuring comprehensive health solutions for all astronauts becomes increasingly crucial.
