How Astronauts and Technicians Keep Spacecraft Clean

Keeping a Space Shuttle Spic and Span: Inside and Out

Astronauts are fascinated by the vast expanse of space and the unique challenges that come with exploring it. But keeping the spacecraft clean and in top condition involves a team effort, particularly after landing. After all, they don’t just stroll off the store counter with a bag of chips; the items they carry are often specially designed for space, with minimal shedding of debris. Even so, astronauts do get their fair share of work in maintaining cleanliness.

While astronauts focus on cleaning inside the cabin, what about the exterior? Typically, this is a job for a dedicated team of technicians. These teams work after the space shuttle lands, ensuring that any debris is swept away and the spacecraft is readied for its next mission. This is a relatively recent practice since the space shuttle program ended in July 2011.

Cleaning the ISS: A Team Effort Every Saturday Morning

Inside the International Space Station (ISS), cleanliness is maintained through a regular schedule. According to Astronaut Clayton Anderson, who experienced cleaning the ISS firsthand, Saturdays are often devoted to thorough cleaning. Cleaning isn’t just a matter of wiping down surfaces; it involves a comprehensive approach to ensure the station remains in optimal condition.

Technicians use several tools and materials to keep the station clean. They use a standard vacuum cleaner, which might seem unconventional given the proximity to the vacuum of space, but it is essential. An ESA spokesman highlighted the importance of keeping a clean environment to prevent dust from clogging filters and interfering with laboratory operations.

Astronaut Tim Peake, along with his colleagues, employs a variety of cleaning agents and tools to maintain the ISS in pristine condition. These include liquid detergent, disposable plastic gloves, multi-purpose wiping cloths, and a vacuum cleaner. They also change the air purification system filters to collect garbage like food packaging and clean the walls and floors. This meticulous approach ensures that the ISS remains a laboratory-like environment ideal for scientific research.

Astronauts’ Personal Hygiene: Waterless Shampoo and Baby Wipes

In addition to the ISS, personal hygiene is a significant concern for astronauts. Intriguingly, they use waterless shampoo and small amounts of water to keep themselves clean. This approach is both practical and environmentally friendly – no water means no waste generated from water filtration or storage.

But the use of these space-friendly cleaning items doesn’t stop there. One unique example is the use of Huggies baby wipes by Astronaut Jeffrey Williams during Expedition 13. These wipes serve as an all-purpose cleaning tool for various tasks around the station, demonstrating the versatility of simple products in a complex space environment.

Another challenge is the use of conventional household cleaning products. Due to the risk of offgassing potentially harmful substances, astronauts cannot use typical household products in large quantities. Heavy substances are also expensive to transport to the ISS, making efficient and space-friendly alternatives a necessity.

Overall, the process of cleaning in space is a well-organized and methodical one, ensuring that both the spacecraft and the crew remain in the best possible condition for their missions.