NASA Explores Menstrual Cup Options for Long-Term Space Missions

In a significant advancement for female astronauts, researchers are exploring the use of menstrual cups for managing menstruation during long-duration space missions. A study published in the journal NPJ Women’s Health highlights the challenges faced by astronauts who menstruate and presents a new option aimed at enhancing their comfort in space.

The conversation around menstruation in space is not new, but it remains a sensitive topic. When Sally Ride became the first American woman in space during her mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983, she was asked how many tampons she would need for her week-long journey. Her response was clear: the suggested number was far from adequate. Today, as space agencies prepare for longer missions, such as those planned for Mars, the need to address this issue has become more pressing.

Most astronauts who menstruate currently opt for hormonal contraceptive methods to suppress their periods. Others choose traditional products like tampons or pads. However, the AstroCup mission, a collaboration between Cornell University and Lunette, aims to provide a reusable, environmentally friendly alternative: menstrual cups. These flexible, bell-shaped devices are inserted vaginally and collect menstrual blood, offering a sustainable solution for astronauts who prefer not to suppress their cycles.

The AstroCup mission involved launching two menstrual cups on a suborbital, uncrewed flight to assess their performance under space conditions. The team measured key factors such as temperature, acceleration, and humidity. Following the flight, tests confirmed that the cups maintained their integrity when subjected to conditions that mimic those in space.

Catarina Miranda, a science communicator and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of providing astronauts with various options. “We want to give different options to women because right now, astronauts are induced to take menstrual suppression,” she stated. “Since we already have solutions here on Earth that are sustainable, why not adapt them for space?”

As space missions become more ambitious, including the upcoming Artemis II mission scheduled for early 2026, the implications of such research grow. This mission will see astronauts, including Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, embark on a journey to orbit the Moon—marking a critical step toward future expeditions to Mars.

Researcher Ligia Coelho pointed out that the importance of addressing menstruation in space had previously been overlooked. “This is just a situation where people didn’t know this could be a problem because nobody thought about it,” Coelho remarked. The introduction of menstrual cups could alleviate the logistical challenges of packing sufficient disposable products for extended missions, as they are lightweight and reusable.

Beyond menstrual cups, the study’s authors are exploring various menstrual management options, further broadening the conversation around women’s health in space. Shawna Pandya, Canada’s first named commercial female astronaut, has also been conducting research on the feasibility of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for space travel. She highlighted the need for ongoing research to address women’s health issues in the context of long-duration missions.

While the current focus is on menstrual cups, researchers are optimistic about expanding their studies. They aim to test the cups in actual space environments, assessing how they perform under exposure to radiation and other factors unique to space travel.

As space agencies prepare for an era of commercial space travel and longer missions, the conversation surrounding women’s health continues to evolve. With the exploration of options like menstrual cups, the goal is clear: to ensure all astronauts, regardless of gender, have the tools they need for successful missions. The potential for sustainable menstrual management solutions represents a crucial step forward in making space accessible to everyone.

As Coelho succinctly put it, “These options are not rocket science. There’s really no excuse not to put them on the table.”