Menstrual Health in Space: Lunette Cups in Groundbreaking Research Published in Nature

At Lunette, we believe that education and universal access to knowledge are the foundation of empowerment. That’s why supporting the Astro Cup scientists and ensuring their groundbreaking research is published with open access in Nature matters so deeply. Knowledge should never be locked away - it should be free, available to all, and capable of inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and innovators.

Women in Space: The Numbers

Since Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space in 1963, progress has been steady but slow. By 2020, women represented only 12% of all astronauts who had flown to space. As of today, around 70 women worldwide have traveled beyond Earth. NASA has increased female representation in its astronaut corps, but the field remains male dominated. With more women preparing for long‑duration missions to the Moon and Mars, addressing menstrual health in space is no longer optional - it is essential.

The Challenge of Menstruation in Space

For decades, menstruation was treated as a logistical problem in spaceflight. Early NASA engineers famously asked Sally Ride if 100 tampons would be enough for her seven‑day mission in 1983 - a symbol of how unprepared programs were for women’s health.

Traditionally, many astronauts have used hormonal therapies to suppress menstruation during missions. While practical, this approach removes choice and raises questions about long‑term health. Disposable products, meanwhile, create waste and storage challenges in spacecraft.

Astro Cup: A First Step Toward Change

The Astro Cup experiment tested Lunette menstrual cups in spaceflight conditions, proving that reusable, medical‑grade silicone cups are safe and effective even in microgravity. This is a first step in exploring how female astronauts can manage menstruation without giving it up entirely.

Menstrual cups offer:

• 8–12 hours of protection, reducing interruptions during missions.
• Reusable for up to 10 years, eliminating waste and storage issues.
• Comfort and discretion, allowing astronauts to focus fully on their work.

Why It Matters

This research is more than a technical achievement - it’s about choice, dignity, and equality. By supporting the Astro Cup scientists, Lunette helps ensure that women astronauts have sustainable options that respect their bodies and their autonomy.

As humanity prepares for missions lasting months or years, menstrual health solutions will be part of the blueprint for exploration. The Astro Cup publication in Nature is a milestone that shows how courage, innovation, and education can change the future of spaceflight.

Reed the full publication here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-025-00112-9

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