Why Astronauts Avoid Laundering Their Clothing in Space

The occupation of an astronaut is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and enigmatic ones available. However, have you ever pondered the intricacies of their daily routine? For instance, what lies beneath those cumbersome space suits? Some individuals believe that astronauts wear disposable undergarments, while others are convinced that the absence of gravity effortlessly eliminates any dirt or grime. Interestingly enough, astronauts do not engage in laundry activities at all.

In 2011, NASA commissioned a weapon system for the International Space Station. Whether it was meant as a joke or not, astronauts were unable to utilize it due to obvious reasons. The idea of using it solely to transport water for laundry purposes seems preposterous and extremely costly. As a result, astronauts can only fantasize about having freshly cleaned linens and other items. Instead, they have to rely on Earth to periodically send fresh clothing, along with other supplies, to the station. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen frequently, primarily due to the exorbitant cost of launching anything into space. Consequently, astronauts find themselves wearing their clothes for significantly longer periods of time compared to what they would do on Earth. The only silver lining in this situation is that astronauts tend to experience a decline in their sense of smell while in space. In interviews, some astronauts have admitted to wearing the same pair of shorts for months, only changing their underwear every 3 or 4 days. It's not surprising, then, that astronauts prioritize comfort and convenience over making a fashion statement.

Their typical attire usually consists of short sleeved shirts and long cargo pants those are regular clothes we wear on Earth nothing special but when they leave the climate controlled insides of the ISS of course they need special clothes, by that I mean those very chunky space suits they protect astronauts from insane temperature swings ranging from 250° F in the sun to- 250° in the shade but even with all this protection and cooling tubes wicking away body heat spacewalks tend to cause astronauts to work up a sweat wearing an Eva which stands for extra vehicular activities can mean hours of hard work and don't forget that astronauts often wear layers to stay warm and pressurized and these layers include an inner form fitting item of clothing that resembles long underwear.

This item is frequently reused and even shared. Due to the lack of washing machines on the International Space Station (ISS), it is important to note that there is an intriguing fact. A specially trained individual is responsible for sniffing every single item that astronauts bring into space. This measure is taken to safeguard them from unpleasant or harmful odors. Given the inability to ventilate the space, NASA is extremely cautious about which odors are permitted to circulate.

Smells on the International Space Station (ISS) cannot be prevented. The space suits and what lies beneath them are reused repeatedly. This raises concerns not only about unpleasant odors but also about hygiene and health issues. There is a worrying possibility of biocontamination, which includes bacteria, bodily fluids, and other foreign substances. The situation becomes even more dire when considering longer missions, such as those to the moon. However, regularly monitoring the interiors of space suits is impractical due to the scarcity of water on the ISS. In order to address this issue, NASA, along with the European Space Agency and other organizations, has enlisted specialists to develop fabrics that can combat biocontamination in suits. The space suits were originally designed for relatively short trips during the shuttle program, but with astronauts now residing on the ISS for much longer periods, their lifespan had to be extended to six years.

Microbes have become a significantly more concerning issue than in the past. Over a decade ago, a team of experts initiated research into various methods for eliminating microbes and bacteria present in space suits. They conducted an experiment by cutting textiles into 2-inch squares and placing them in Petri dishes. Several species of fungi and bacteria were then grown on these samples. Some of the fabrics utilized were infused with copper, a substance known for its remarkable antimicrobial properties. When bacteria come into contact with copper, their cell walls and membranes are destabilized, and the metal ions harm the microbes, rendering them more susceptible. NASA scientists also explored the use of textiles treated with silicone and silver. The latter was found to be just as toxic to germs upon contact as copper. After closely observing the growth on the fabrics for a period of 14 days, the researchers discovered that only one compound effectively prevented the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

A solution containing silver molecules, typically utilized for disinfecting hospital dressings and various items, was initially considered. However, the metal ions proved to be excessively efficient, eliminating not just harmful agents but also essential microorganisms. Achieving total sterility, it was found, could be detrimental. Our bodies rely on a balanced ecosystem of millions of microorganisms to maintain the health of our organs and skin.

In 2022, NASA collaborated with U.S. companies Axium Space and Collins Aerospace to develop the next generation of space suits. Subsequently, a prototype suit emerged, specifically designed for use during the EMIS 3 mission.

The primary objective of this mission is to successfully land a crew at the South Pole of our natural satellite. To achieve this goal, specialized space suits have been developed, incorporating textiles with antimicrobial properties that have the potential to minimize biological contamination. Additionally, the cooling system integrated into these suits will introduce biocides into its water loops, effectively preventing the buildup of microbes.

Now, delving into the specifics of space suits, there are two primary types. Most likely, you are familiar with the advanced crew escape suit, also known as the orange suit or the Pumpkin suit. Astronauts don this full-pressure suit during liftoff to ensure their safety.

In the context of space travel, these suits are indispensable for individuals venturing into extremely high altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is so low that ordinary clothing is insufficient for survival. At such heights, special protective suits are vital. While aircrews wear partial pressure suits, space crews must rely on full-pressure suits due to the significantly higher altitudes they travel to.

These suits are meticulously equipped with various items crucial for astronaut survival during emergencies, especially during spaceship launches or landings. A standard pumpkin suit is stocked with flares, medications, survival gear, a radio, and a parachute. In essence, astronauts couldn't endure the process of leaving Earth without the orange suit.

But why was this particular color chosen? The primary reason for selecting the orange hue is its high visibility, especially for search and rescue operations, which are highly probable in the event of an emergency.

Extravehicular activity suits, or EVA suits, serve a different purpose than the orange ones. Astronauts wear these suits when they embark on spacewalks, protecting them from the harsh conditions of outer space, including extreme temperatures and the near vacuum. Additionally, these suits act as a shield against small debris that could harm space travelers. You might have noticed that EVA suits are much bulkier than the orange ones. This is due to their multiple layers of insulation and heavy protective fabric. They also come equipped with breathable air, drinkable water, and temperature controls.

During a spacewalk, astronauts use a tether that connects them to the space station. In case the tether breaks, the EVA suit has a backup system. This system includes small jet thrusters that can be controlled from the station using a joystick.

As for the color choice, EVA suits are predominantly white. White reflects the sun's heat better than other colors, preventing astronauts from getting too hot. Additionally, the white color enhances visibility, making it easier to spot the tiny dot of an astronaut against the vast black backdrop of space. However, while white EVA suits protect astronauts from overheating, they can't prevent them from getting too cold. That's where special gloves with heaters come into play, ensuring astronauts' fingers remain warm and functional.