How Astronauts Handle Periods In Space? NASA’s New Test Could Change Hygiene In Zero Gravity

As plans for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars gather pace, NASA-backed researchers are highlighting a critical but often overlooked issue: how astronauts manage menstruation in space. A NASA-supported research report focusing on female astronaut health confirms that menstruation behaves normally in microgravity. The primary challenge is not physiology, but hygiene, storage, and waste disposal in the confined and resource-limited environment of a spacecraft. 

Today, astronauts who menstruate generally choose between suppressing their cycles using hormonal contraception or packing large quantities of personal menstrual products before launch. While tampons and sanitary pads work in microgravity, they create practical problems due to limited storage space and complex waste management systems.

Extended use of hormonal birth control is considered safe for many people on Earth and can be medically beneficial in certain cases. However, as missions become longer and more inclusive, it may not be realistic or desirable for all astronauts to pause their natural cycles for months or years.

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AstroCup Breakthrough: Menstrual Cups Pass Space Tests

In 2025, new research has made managing periods in space significantly more practical. Scientists from the AstroCup project tested reusable menstrual cups for spaceflight conditions and reported promising results.

Two Lunette menstrual cups were flown on an uncrewed suborbital rocket in 2022, where they were exposed to launch-like vibrations, rapid pressure shifts, and around nine minutes of microgravity at an altitude of about three kilometres.

After the flight, researchers conducted leak tests using water and glycerol to simulate bodily fluids. The cups showed no structural damage and maintained full performance, with no leaks recorded. The findings were published in the scientific journal NPJ Women’s Health.

Why Menstrual Cups Are Ideal for Space

On Earth, menstrual cups are already popular as a sustainable alternative to disposable pads and tampons. A single cup can last for years, dramatically reducing waste. This durability is especially valuable in spacecraft, where storage volume is limited, resupply is difficult, and waste disposal is tightly controlled. Reliable reusable products could give astronauts greater autonomy while reducing the mission’s environmental footprint.

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