Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Menstrual Cups Successfully Tested in Space
Scientists have tested menstrual cups in space for the first time.
They sent four cups on a rocket, with two going to space and two staying on Earth.
The cups that went to space worked perfectly, with no leaks or damage.
This is a big deal because it gives female astronauts a better way to manage their periods.
Right now, many women take hormones to stop their periods during space missions.
But these cups could be a more natural and eco-friendly choice.
The researchers made sure their tests were very thorough so others can repeat them.
This could help women have more control over their health in space.
Menstrual cups were successfully tested in spaceflight conditions for the first time.
The AstroCup mission, led by Lígia Coelho from Cornell University, sent four menstrual cups on a rocket.
The cups maintained their structural integrity and showed no signs of wear or tear.
The cups demonstrated leak-proof performance with no leakage of test liquids detected.
Menstrual cups offer a reusable and sustainable solution for managing menstruation in space.
- Who
- Lígia Coelho and her team at Cornell University
- What
- Successfully tested menstrual cups in spaceflight conditions
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- In space and on the ground
- Why
- To provide sustainable menstrual health options for female astronauts
- Mission Name
- AstroCup
- Lead Researcher
- Lígia Coelho
- Institution
- Cornell University
- Publication
- npj Women's Health
- Test Conditions
- Extreme acceleration, temperature changes, pressure variations
- Test Results
- No wear or tear, maintained structural integrity, no leakage
- Benefits
- Reusable, sustainable, reduces waste