
The bizarre truth about how astronauts deal with dirty clothes on the International Space Station will blow your mind
TIL Creatives Astronauts aboard the International Space Station don't do laundry—instead, they wear clothes until they're too soiled, then eject them to burn up in Earth's atmosphere.
When you imagine life aboard the International Space Station, you probably picture zero-gravity acrobatics, awe-inspiring views of Earth, and high-tech gear floating through futuristic modules. What you might not picture, however, is the simple, yet startling question: how do astronauts do their laundry? The answer is as bizarre as space travel itself—and it's turning heads online. Contrary to what Earthlings might expect, astronauts don't have access to washing machines or even manual laundry buckets. There's no rinse cycle in orbit. In fact, worn clothes aboard the ISS are never washed at all. Once garments become too filthy to endure, astronauts do what only astronauts can—they throw them out. Quite literally.
Used clothing is packed into cargo spacecrafts which are eventually directed to burn up during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. That's right—astronaut underwear and sweat-stained polos become shooting stars in the sky. It's an unconventional solution, but given the precious water supply and the impracticality of hauling detergent into orbit, it's the only viable option—at least for now. Fortunately, conditions aboard the ISS help mitigate the grime. The station is temperature-controlled, limiting how much astronauts actually sweat. It's a sterile, sealed environment—no dirt, rain, or backyard chores to ruin an outfit. That said, astronauts still have to make every item count. Typically, each crew member brings just one polo shirt for every 15 days and one pair of underwear for every three.
To stretch cleanliness further, NASA partners with apparel companies to develop space-grade garments. These aren't your everyday clothes—they're antibacterial, absorbent, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. In one case, Japanese brand BEAMS designed specially engineered garments for astronaut Soichi Noguchi's extended mission in 2020. These outfits are built to fight odor and bacteria, helping astronauts avoid infections and stay as fresh as possible without a single rinse.
When Redditors caught wind of the ISS laundry routine, reactions ranged from fascination to disbelief. Some questioned the hygiene implications, while others simply shuddered at the lifestyle. 'I was wondering how they didn't get UTIs and boils,' one user commented, relieved to learn about the antibacterial clothing requirement. Another added humorously, 'When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut so badly. Now? Not so much.' Some were more curious: 'How many outfits do they bring?' one person asked. 'Can you identify an astronaut who's been up there too long by whether or not they're naked?' As absurd as burning clothes may sound, NASA and Tide are working on a cleaner, more sustainable solution. In 2022, the detergent giant joined forces with the space agency to develop a fully degradable laundry detergent—formulated specifically for space. Their goal? To make laundry in microgravity a real possibility, even with minimal water use. If successful, future astronauts could enjoy the luxury of clean clothes without having to incinerate them in Earth's atmosphere. So, the next time you toss your laundry into the washer, be grateful. Up in space, even that humble chore requires rocket science.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
an hour ago
- News18
India's Shubhanshu Shukla Set For Historic Space Mission As Ax-4 Crew Completes Launch Rehearsal
Last Updated: Representing India on this mission is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will serve as the Ax-4 mission pilot. The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams have successfully completed a full rehearsal of launch day procedures ahead of their scheduled lift-off on Tuesday, June 10, SpaceX announced in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. 'The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday," the company stated. The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday — SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 8, 2025 Representing India on this mission is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will serve as the Ax-4 mission pilot. His participation was announced by Axiom Space on their official X handle, with additional recognition from ISRO. The mission is scheduled to lift off at 8:22 am ET on June 10 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The International Space Station also acknowledged the upcoming mission on its X platform, highlighting its global relevance. According to Axiom Space, Ax-4 marks a significant return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, each undertaking its first government-sponsored mission in over 40 years. While all three nations have sent humans to space before, this will be their first time aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A Milestone For India's Human Spaceflight Journey Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become India's second national astronaut to go to space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Similarly, Slawosz Uznanski of the European Space Agency (ESA) will be Poland's second astronaut since 1978, and Tibor Kapu will be Hungary's second since 1980. Commanding the Ax-4 mission will be Peggy Whitson, a spaceflight veteran and record-holder for the longest cumulative time in space by an American astronaut. This will also be her second time leading a commercial human spaceflight mission. The Ax-4 mission is also notable for being only the second commercial spaceflight made up entirely of government and ESA-sponsored astronauts, underscoring Axiom Space's role in expanding international access to low-Earth orbit. Science-Led Mission With Global Collaboration The Ax-4 crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific studies and research activities involving contributions from 31 countries, including the United States, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and several European nations. According to Axiom Space, this marks the most research-intensive mission the company has launched to date aboard the ISS. The scientific focus spans human health, Earth observation, biology, materials science, and more. The mission is expected to showcase how space-based research can directly benefit life on Earth while building capabilities across emerging spacefaring nations. Through this initiative, India, Poland, and Hungary aim to strengthen their national space programs and foster international scientific collaboration.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
What is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying to space? Aam ras, halwa and more
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla readies to pilot the Axiom-4 Mission on June 10, he will carry with him a range of Indian delicacies prepared by Isro that will remind him of home, like aam ras, moong halwa and more. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot will head to the International Space Station along with three others, marking the first Indian astronaut to return to space after 41 years read more Since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shubhanshu Shukla feel a little more at home. They say food can be a home away from home, and for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, a few Indian delicacies will be just that — his little piece of comfort as he prepares to head into space. As part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST, along with three other astronauts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Typically, the American space agency follows a standardised food menu for all its space missions, said DK Singh, director of Isro's Human Spaceflight Centre (Hsfc). But since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shukla feel a little more at home. Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, will spend 14 days in orbit, making history as the second Indian to travel to space since Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 flight. So what will be different this time? What is Shukla carrying to space? Here's a closer look. Indian space food for astronauts Ahead of his mission, Shukla will carry specially prepared Indian delicacies with him, a first for any Indian travelling to the ISS. His menu includes aam ras, moong dal halwa, gajar halwa and a selection of rice-based options. His sister, Suchi Shukla, a science teacher in Lucknow, told Hindustan Times that initially, Shukla wasn't allowed to carry Indian food on the flight as the cuisine is typically rich in spices, something space menus aren't used to. 'Since Indian food is high on spices, he wasn't getting the permission to carry them. But finally, they did allow a few varieties. He is a fitness-freak and highly into yoga, so I am sure he will balance it,' she said. Now that he has the go-ahead, Shukla is excited to share these flavours with his fellow astronauts, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For international missions, Nasa's Space Food Systems Laboratory produces freeze-dried food and packages commercially available beverage powders, cookies, candies, and other dried goods that the astronauts select for their menus. However, a taste of home for Indian astronauts was missing. But now, scientists from Isro and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Drdo) have developed space-friendly Indian food after years of research. Apart from Shukla's menu, the Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (Dfrl) has created ready-to-eat dishes like idli, upma, biryani, pulao, dal, vegetable curry, roti and halwa, all tailored for zero gravity. The meals are packed in special containers and will need to be rehydrated with water before consumption, Singh told The Print. Officials say the same menu will likely be part of the Gaganyaan crewed mission , India's first human spaceflight, expected to take off by 2027. Shukla will be on that mission too. 'We have developed a few options. Even if all of it isn't used for the Gaganyaan mission, it will come in handy for future human spaceflights,' Singh said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A few photographs, a swan soft toy Along with food and science experiments, Shukla is also carrying a few mementoes from home. While he isn't allowed to reveal exactly what personal items he's bringing, his sister feels her brother is 'carrying our photos'. She adds, 'He cannot disclose due to protocol. Once you take anything to space, it becomes a certified object that has travelled to space. So, he will bring those back and it will be memorabilia for us. We will only get to know what those things are once he's back.' Among the items confirmed is a small swan soft toy, which will act as the zero-gravity indicator for the Axiom-4 crew. Named 'Joy', the swan holds special meaning for all four astronauts, including Shukla. Floating alongside the Axiom 4 mission crew in the SpaceX Dragon capsule will be a small swan soft toy named 'Joy'. It is not only the zero gravity indicator but also 'In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning and purity,' he explained during a pre-flight virtual press conference. 'Swan is believed to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, representing purity, wisdom and grace.' 'Carrying this symbol reminds me of the delicate balance between knowledge and pressure, and it keeps me grounded in the values I hold dear. I feel inspired, fully prepared and confident as I embark on this journey,' Shukla added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shukla will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. X/@NASASpaceOps Prayers and excitement back home In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, the countdown to launch is filled with prayers, pride, and hope. The 39-year-old's family is watching closely, their hearts full as he prepares to make history. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government employee, said the entire family is backing him with confidence and positivity. 'The entire family is praying for him, and we are all very confident and positive. We are not scared now. We are happy that his name will go in history books,' he said. #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla says, "We are very proud of him, not just the family, but the whole country. The country's space mission is being sent after 40 years... It feels good that people are talking about my… — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025 His mother, Astha Shukla, told Hindustan Times, 'Woh khud bahut excited hai ki woh Bharat ke liye kuch naya karne jaa raha hai. Bas jaldi se mission khatam kar ke wapas aa jaaye.' (He is very excited as he is getting to do something new for India. Hope the mission ends successfully and he comes back soon.) Subhanshu Shukla's Home in Lucknow has become an inspirational spot for students, they are coming in numbers for selfies and wishes ♥️ Subhanshu is part of the 4 member team going to space in Axiom Mission 4, a collaboration b/w NASA & SpaceX. — Lucknow Development Index (@lucknow_updates) June 7, 2025 The astronaut is currently under quarantine before the mission. He joins the family for a video group call every day, along with his wife, Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, and five-year-old son, who are with him in Florida, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mission, operated by Texas-based Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and Nasa, will transport four astronauts, Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (US), Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week stay. With input from agencies


News18
an hour ago
- News18
From Malihabad To Milky Way: Shubhanshu Shukla's 'Khaane Ka Dabba' To Take Aamras, Halwa To Space
Packed with emotion and a feeling of home, the food container is more than just sustenance—it's a story of tradition, family, and identity floating 400 kilometres above Earth As the countdown begins for India's historic return to space, the spotlight has turned to not just the astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, but also something very close to his heart: the carefully prepared 'khane ka dabba' that will accompany him aboard the Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Packed with emotion and a feeling of home, the food container is more than just sustenance—it's a story of tradition, family, and identity floating 400 kilometres above Earth. Among the standout items in Shubhanshu's space menu is 'aamras' made from Malihabadi mangoes, a seasonal delicacy and one of his childhood favourites. The mango pulp, freshly extracted from the famed Dussehri mangoes of Lucknow's Malihabadi Mango belt, has been specially prepared by his mother, Asha Shukla, following stringent NASA and Axiom dietary safety norms. 'These mangoes smell like home," says his sister Suchi Shukla, a science teacher in Lucknow. 'He wanted to carry a part of our summer with him. Malihabad mangoes have a fragrance you can identify even with your eyes closed. The 'aamras' was pureed, dehydrated, and vacuum-sealed in labs so that it's suitable for microgravity conditions. But the taste is all Maa," she told News18. The mangoes were handpicked from a family friend's orchard in Malihabad and ripened naturally. His mother Asha Shukla said the pulp was not spiced much. 'We wanted to retain the fruit's sweetness. I only added a touch of cardamom. He loves it that way," she said. Alongside it is a portion of moong dal halwa, slow-roasted in ghee with a hint of green cardamom and garnished with almond slivers—one of Shubhanshu 's favourite comfort dishes. Another dessert in his dabba is gajar ka halwa, made from desi red carrots, slow-cooked in milk and khoya, and then packaged to maintain flavour and consistency in microgravity. The space menu also includes steamed basmati rice, which can be paired with international freeze-dried curries available aboard the ISS. These preparations were reportedly made at home with the help of ISRO's Food Science Division and in adherence to NASA-Axiom guidelines. The Sentimental Value of Space Food While astronauts worldwide often carry something symbolic from home—be it dried miso soup, borscht, or tortillas—Shubhanshu's 'dabba' brings a slice of Lucknow and a whiff of Malihabad to the ISS. His family believes this food is more than flavour; it's a symbol of India's cultural richness being carried into orbit. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government official, said: 'We used to send a tiffin when he went to school or later to NDA. This is the ultimate tiffin which is going to space." Emotions Run High At Home As the mission nears, the Shukla household in Rajajipuram, Lucknow, has transformed into a place of both prayer and celebration. Shukla's elder sister is flying in from Noida. A 'Satyanarayan Katha' and 'hawan' were conducted recently, and neighbours drop in daily to give their good wishes. Asha Shukla, meanwhile, fights tears as she talks about her son's diet and discipline. 'He hasn't had homemade food regularly in years. He misses 'maa ke haathon ka khana'. Even when he visited last year, I made halwa first thing in the morning. That's what he craved." She adds, 'I just want him to eat well, sleep well, and come back safely. The world will celebrate this mission. I just want my son home." A Wholesome Life in a Box Due to mission confidentiality, Shukla cannot reveal all the personal belongings he's carrying but the family believes a few photographs and handwritten notes may be tucked inside. 'He won't tell us, but I know my brother. He will carry something of us with him," Suchi says. The Mission Shukla will fly aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 10 at 5.52pm IST. He will be joined by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States, docking with the ISS in 28 hours. The 14-day mission under Axiom Space is not just about research and international collaboration—it's a symbolic moment for India. The last time an Indian astronaut flew into space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Shukla, an accomplished fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience, will now become the second Indian to be part of an operational spaceflight. Though the world watches the ambitious space mission with awe and prays for its success, the truest preparations unfolded quietly in a modest kitchen—where ghee was gently melted, mangoes were lovingly pulped, and halwa was stirred. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Axiom Space International Space Station Lucknow Mangoes nasa news18 specials SpaceX Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 11:57 IST News india From Malihabad To Milky Way: Shubhanshu Shukla's 'Khaane Ka Dabba' To Take Aamras, Halwa To Space