Caption: European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst (Germany) during an extravehicular activity (EVA) at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014. His shift outside the ISS took more than six hours.
Credit: NASA credit link

Caption: This infographic, part of the "Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers" project, highlights the importance of astronaut innerwear in maintaining comfort and hygiene during long space missions. Why Do Astronauts Need Special Innerwear? In microgravity, astronauts face challenges like limited water, waste management, and hygiene maintenance. Innerwear must be durable, comfortable, and wearable for days without daily changes. Key Features of Astronauts' Innerwear 1. Worn for Multiple Days – No laundry in space means astronauts wear the same innerwear for extended periods. Their bodies adapt, producing less sweat and odor than on Earth. 2. Reduced Sweat & Bacteria – Space station climate control minimizes sweating, but antibacterial fabrics prevent bacterial build-up. 3. Water Conservation – Water is scarce, so sweat and moisture are recycled, making frequent washing impractical. 4. Efficient Waste Management – Lightweight, disposable clothing reduces waste and conserves resources. Do Clothes Stay Clean in Space? Astronaut Chris Hadfield noted that innerwear remains clean for days in space. This is partly true—reduced sweat and friction slow down odor and dirt buildup compared to Earth. Balancing Comfort & Functionality Astronaut innerwear is specially designed for hygiene and efficiency, contributing to both space exploration and Earth applications like antibacterial clothing for medical care. Conclusion Space travel demands adaptation, and specialized innerwear is a key example of how technology ensures astronauts' well-being in extreme environments—paving the way for future exploration!
Credit: Ali Al-Edhari

Caption: Part of the Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers project, this infographic explains how astronauts eat in space and the special requirements for their meals. How Do Astronauts Eat in Space? In microgravity, traditional meals don’t work. Food must be specially prepared to stay edible, easy to consume, and free from floating crumbs that could damage equipment. Instead of plates and cutlery, astronauts eat from sealed packages using special utensils. Key Characteristics of Space Food ✔ Tasty & Varied – To keep astronauts satisfied. ✔ Compact & Lightweight – Saves storage space and reduces payload weight. ✔ Mess-Free – No crumbs that could float and cause issues. ✔ Long Shelf Life – Must last for extended missions. Types of Food in Space 1. Fresh Food – Fruits & vegetables (eaten quickly). 2. Natural Food – Nuts, dried fruits. 3. Freeze-Dried – Rehydrated before eating. 4. Oil-Coated – Helps preserve freshness. 5. Dehydrated – Water is removed, then re-added. 6. Thermostabilized – Packaged for long-term use. How Astronauts Prepare Food 1. Rehydration – Adding hot water to dried meals. 2. Heating – Using small ISS ovens. 3. Careful Opening – Prevents food from floating away. Space Food Menu on the ISS Steak – High-protein for muscle maintenance. Scrambled Eggs – Nutritious and easy to prepare. Juices – Sealed to prevent floating. Chocolate Pudding – A favorite treat. Tortillas – Preferred over bread to avoid crumbs. Who Prepares Space Food? Food scientists design and test meals on Earth to meet safety and nutrition standards before they are sent on missions. Final Thoughts Eating in space is a challenge, but innovative food technology keeps astronauts healthy and energized. Every meal is carefully planned to support long-duration space exploration!
Credit: Ali Al-Edhari