The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #32291   Message #424178
Posted By: Blackcatter
23-Mar-01 - 11:47 AM
Thread Name: BS: Women in space
Subject: RE: BS: Women in space
Here's the response about personal hygene from the NASA FAQ page - unfortunately it doesn't discuss menstruation:

How do astronauts in space go to the bathroom and take care of their personal hygiene?

Astronauts brush their teeth just like they do on Earth. There is no shower on the Shuttle, so astronauts must make do with sponge baths until they return home.

Each Space Shuttle has a toilet that can be used by both men and women. Designed to be as much as possible like those on Earth, the units use flowing air instead of water to move waste through the system.

Solid wastes are compressed and stored onboard, and then removed after landing. Wastewater is vented to space, although future systems may recycle it. The air is filtered to remove odor and bacteria and then returned to the cabin.

pax yall