All Water Is Earth Water
Have you ever wondered how astronauts bathe in space? On the Space Station, all water is brought from Earth. This water is so precious that urine and bath water are recycled into drinking water. That might make some squeamish, but the liquids are filtered, cleaned, and converted into potable water, creating a continuous, reliable source.
Bathe In Space
Even with limited water, astronauts bath often and while standing. According to NASA, the astronauts and scientists on the Space Station squeeze warm, soapy water from a plastic pouch onto a washcloth and then scrub their skin. Due to the station’s combination of gravity and velocity, water will bead up and float away if not absorbed by the washcloth. The astronauts bathe often because they exercise twice a day in a small, shared space.
Liquids Are Recycled
When brushing their teeth, astronauts will swallow the toothpaste or spit into a suction hose. To wash their hair, they squeeze water onto their head from a plastic pouch and work it through their hair. Then they apply a rinseless shampoo and scrub. Water can be reapplied, but it is not necessary. Hair floats up instead of hanging down and when it dries through evaporation, the air conditioning unit regulates the humidity in the air and collects it to condensate. The station’s water processing system then turns it into drinking water.
There Is No ‘Up’
Space Station residents bathe, wash their hair, and brush their teeth standing up, with their toes tucked under straps secured to the walls. Without the straps, the residents would float around and bump into things.
If you need a fast-draining tub for on-Earth bathing or need help with your water, call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer at 206-440-9077.