Menstrual cups tested successfully in spaceflight, study finds
Menstrual cups just got their first test in space, thanks to a team from Cornell University, the Carl Sagan Institute, the University of Lisbon, and the aerospace company SpinWorks.
As part of the AstroCup project, two Lunette menstrual cups were launched on a short rocket flight, while two remained on the ground as controls, to see if they could handle the extreme conditions astronauts face.
Cups handled space stress like champs
Two cups went up in the rocket while two stayed on Earth for comparison.
After facing intense acceleration, temperature swings, and pressure drops, all cups came back undamaged and leak-proof—pretty impressive for something designed for everyday use.
Why this matters for future astronauts
Reusable menstrual cups could be a game-changer for long space missions.
They're more eco-friendly than disposable products (less trash in space!) and give astronauts more options beyond hormonal cycle suppression.
It's about comfort and choice during those long journeys.
What's next? Testing in real 0 gravity
The next step is seeing how these cups work in actual microgravity on the International Space Station.
The team wants to make sure they're safe, easy to clean, and practical for women exploring deep space—because everyone deserves good period care, even among the stars.