The First Space Periodic Mission

The mission, called “Operation Period01” (OP-01), will be directed by the Manju Bangalore and Priya Abiram, founder of the organisation “Operation Period”, and aims to complete an important vacuum in research on women's health in space.

According to organisers, the study will focus on two key areas: bringing menstrual fluids into microgravity and performance of hygienic products during spatial flights.

By studying microgravity periods, we can gain knowledge not only of astronauts but also of biomedical research on Earth, including reproductive science and other diseases that have not yet been sufficiently studied”, Priya Abiram said.

This will be the first mission exclusively dedicated to this biological phenomenon, despite the fact that more than 100 women have already travelled into space.

Virginia Galactic made it known that flying would be suborbital, which means that the ship would reach space but would not enter orbit around Earth. The mission is expected to last about 90 minutes, like other commercial flights to the company.

Experts involved in the project believe the results can lead to the development of more efficient space-species products, but also wider medical innovations.

Actually, NASA has no specific instructions on menstruation management during space missions. Some astronauts use traditional toilet products, while others choose hormonal therapies to temporarily disrupt the menstrual cycle.

With the planning of longer and longer missions, including future trips to Mars, researchers believe that more practical and sustainable solutions are needed. A three - year mission, for example, may require over a thousand hormonal pills or large amounts of hygienic products, increasing weight and load costs.

In 2022 a group of researchers tested menstrual glasses in space and discovered that they worked without injuries, considering a possible alternative to future missions.

According to the “Operation Period” team, the goal is not to show that menstruation poses a problem for space travel, but to ensure that women have more choice and support during space exploration.

“While space becomes more accessible to people, research should reflect all diversity of human experience”, project organisers stress.