Shubhanshu Shukla reveals how astronauts stay cool in space (Image source: Wikipedia)
Shubhanshu Shukla describes in his latest post on
Shukla is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station and the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma. “Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay cool in space? Of course, this is one of the questions I get asked the most.” Shukla wrote. “The short answer: There are no bathrooms here. The long answer: Personal hygiene in microgravity is a surprisingly elegant little science experiment.” He added.
What alternatives do astronauts follow, if not showering?
According to his latest post on X, “Personal hygiene in microgravity is a surprisingly neat little science experiment.”
He mentions how there are no bathrooms in the bathrooms of the International Space Station, and astronauts resort to using a “towel.” He also added: “It starts with this humble bag. Inside is a towel pre-filled with cleansing shampoo – compact, effective and definitely unattractive.” “Add water, and the cloth will be completely saturated.
Open the bag, and you’ll get the world’s most expensive sponge bath.
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How scarce is water on the International Space Station (ISS)?
Shukla went on to explain how the water used during the process was carefully managed. Noting that, “Once finished, the towel goes to its designated place, where the moisture it carries is drawn into the station’s water extraction system, because in space, not a single drop is wasted.”In a pre-recorded video aboard the station, Shukla showed how the astronauts prepare the towel.
He also pointed out an interesting moment in the video where his phone was shown floating in the air. He goes further, cheerfully asking fellow X users, “Did you notice I left my phone hanging in the air for a while? You don’t need a phone holder in space.”
How users reacted to Shubhanshu Shukla’s post
The post garnered many interesting interactions among other users. One user asked: “What about dental hygiene?” “Like Earth,” Shukla replied. “Except you’re swallowing NASA-approved paste.”Some users asked: “Out of the 16 mornings a day, which morning do you consider morning? Or do you shower with a towel 16 times in 24 hours?” While Shukla responded by saying, “Not really. You follow GMT at the station. So morning depends on the clock time.”
