How to Shower in a Space Station

The International Space Station provides minimal bathing options.

Showering while on the International Space Station is not an easy task. Turning on a shower faucet in zero-gravity results in the water droplets floating around instead of falling down on your head. NASA's first space station, Skylab, had a shower-like apparatus that allowed astronauts to clean up by pushing a button on a hose and using a vacuum to dry off. The International Space Station, however, contains a spray nozzle that emits a stream of water. Astronauts use it, along with a wash cloth, to clean their bodies.

Things You'll Need

• Wash cloth
• Non-rinse shampoo
• Towel

Instructions

1. Remove your clothing. Place a wash cloth next to the output of the water spray nozzle and push the button to turn on the nozzle and wet the cloth.

2. Massage your skin with the wet cloth to refresh and clean your skin.

3. Rub shampoo that doesn't require rinsing into your hair, massaging until all your hair is clean.

4. Dry your skin with a dry towel.

References

• Space; Sleeping in Space is Easy, But There's No Shower; Tariq Malik; July 2009
• NASA: Space Hygiene
• ESA; Weightless Washcloths and Floating Showers; April 2006