06/04/2026
Enquiring minds needed this. How you clean yourself in space
During a live broadcast from NASA’s Artemis II mission, astronaut Victor Glover was seen completing a workout aboard the Orion spacecraft before beginning a routine cleanup using a towel. As part of standard hygiene in space, astronauts rely on minimal water and wipes instead of showers. However, when Glover began removing his shirt on camera, the live feed was quickly cut by Mission Control, switching viewers to a control room view while communication protocols were clarified with the crew.
The moment highlighted an often-overlooked reality of space travel: basic daily activities must be carefully adapted for microgravity. On missions like Artemis II, there are no traditional showers, as water does not flow or drain in space. Instead, it forms floating droplets that can interfere with equipment and systems. Astronauts use controlled amounts of water, soap, and towels to maintain hygiene inside tightly confined spacecraft environments.
Currently traveling approximately 239,000 miles toward the Moon, the crew continues a journey that demands constant adjustment to conditions unlike those on Earth. Every routine task, from exercise to personal care, must be reimagined to function safely in orbit. The brief interruption in the broadcast served as a reminder that even minor, human moments in space are managed with precision, reflecting the broader challenge of living and working beyond Earth.
Source: NASA mission briefings, Artemis II coverage, and live broadcast reports.