Lunette, a company that makes reusable menstrual cups, has sent some into space to help female astronauts on long-term missions.
The Lunette Period Cups are made of hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone, reusable for up to 10 years with the proper care and provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable female hygiene products.
“Unlike tampons, it collects rather than absorbs, helping to maintain your natural pH balance while preventing odor and irritation,” the Lunette website states.
To test the mettle of their product, Lunette decided to launch two menstrual cups into outer space via a suborbital rocket test as part of their AstroCup Project. According to Lunette, female astronauts are currently forced to use hormonal contraception to suppress menstruation completely while on a mission.
The first-of-its-kind mission found the cups did not leak, break, become contaminated or have any other performance issues.
Aleksandra Oklinska, Lunette co-owner, said in a media release that it is “more important now than ever” to have conversations surrounding galactic menstrual care since more and more women are venturing into the aerospace sector.
“As space travel expands and more women join missions across national and commercial programs, it’s more important now than ever to have these conversations,” Oklinska said. “The need to address menstrual care in orbit is more urgent than ever. Every astronaut deserves access to safe, effective and sustainable period care.”
“This is one small step for menstrual health and one giant leap toward inclusion and equality in space,” Oklinska added.
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