New Study Explores Menstrual Health Solutions for Space Missions

Advancements in menstrual health management for astronauts are gaining attention as space exploration expands. A recent study published in the journal NPJ Women’s Health highlights a potential solution for astronauts who menstruate: the use of menstrual cups. This research addresses a longstanding challenge in space missions, particularly as humanity plans for longer journeys, including eventual trips to Mars.

In 1983, astronaut Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the Challenger. During her mission, she was questioned about her menstrual needs, leading to discussions that continue to resonate today. Despite the significance of menstrual health, it remains a largely unaddressed topic in the context of space travel.

Researchers from Cornell University collaborated with Lunette, a company specializing in menstrual cups, to evaluate their feasibility in space conditions. The study’s aim is to provide astronauts with a sustainable and practical option for managing menstruation during extended missions. As noted by Catarina Miranda, a science communicator and co-author of the study, “We want to give different options to women because right now, astronauts are induced to take menstrual suppression.”

Menstrual cups are reusable, flexible devices that collect menstrual fluid, offering a lightweight and practical alternative compared to traditional products such as pads and tampons. The findings from the suborbital AstroCup mission, which tested cups in a controlled environment, indicated that the cups maintained their integrity under space-like conditions.

Preparing for Future Missions

As space agencies look towards ambitious missions, such as NASA’s Artemis II in early 2026, which will send astronauts around the moon, addressing menstrual health is becoming increasingly critical. The Artemis II crew includes Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman. The mission is seen as a step towards human exploration of Mars, which will demand careful consideration of all aspects of astronaut health and well-being.

The need for effective menstrual management in space is underscored by the challenges of long-duration missions, where every kilogram of supplies is crucial. Ligia Coelho, another co-author of the study, remarked, “This is just a situation where people didn’t know this could be a problem, because nobody thought about it.” The Cornell team aims to continue experimenting with menstrual health options, opening a new field of research that has not received adequate attention.

Expanding Research Horizons

The conversation surrounding menstrual health in space is not limited to cups alone. Researcher Shawna Pandya, Canada’s first named commercial female astronaut, is also exploring options for managing menstruation in microgravity. Her work includes studies on intrauterine devices (IUDs) and their feasibility in space conditions.

Pandya highlights the importance of considering broader aspects of human health in space, including sexuality and reproduction. As commercial space travel evolves, the need for comprehensive health solutions will become more pronounced. She stated, “We are looking at the roadmap and the considerations around human sexuality and reproduction in space flight.”

The Cornell researchers plan to further investigate the performance of menstrual cups in space, focusing on their resilience to radiation and methods for sterilization. As Ligia Coelho concluded, “These options are not rocket science. There’s really no excuse not to put them on the table.”

As space exploration enters a new era, ensuring that all astronauts, regardless of gender, have access to necessary health resources will be a vital component of mission planning and execution.