15 Common Items You’ll Never See on a Space Mission

In space, the simplest things can become catastrophic. Objects we take for granted on Earth can wreak havoc in zero gravity, threatening equipment, comfort, and safety.

There are 15 everyday items astronauts are strictly forbidden to bring on board. Each ban reveals a hidden danger of life beyond our atmosphere, leaving no room for error.

1. Bread

Crumbs floating in zero gravity pose a serious hazard to sensitive equipment. Instead, astronauts use tortillas as a bread substitute, which produce fewer stray particles.

2. Carbonated Drinks

Fizzy beverages are off-limits in space. In microgravity, the gas and liquid in carbonated drinks don’t separate, leading to what astronauts call “wet burps” – an uncomfortable and potentially messy situation.

3. Salt & Pepper Shakers

Traditional shakers won’t work in space. Astronauts use liquid salt and pepper solutions to season their meals, preventing loose particles from floating around the spacecraft.

4. Deodorant Sprays

Aerosol sprays are prohibited due to their flammability and potential to interfere with air filtration systems. Astronauts use stick or roll-on deodorants instead, which are safer and more controllable in the spacecraft environment.

5. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (with exceptions)

Most fresh produce is banned due to spoilage concerns. However, NASA occasionally sends up small quantities of fresh fruit as special treats for the crew, carefully packaged to prevent decay and contamination.

6. Soda Cans or Bottles

The pressurized nature of these containers could be hazardous in the fluctuating pressure environment of a spacecraft. Instead, astronauts drink from specially designed containers that can safely hold beverages in the unique conditions of space.

7. Scissors

Sharp objects like scissors are generally prohibited. When needed for specific tasks, specially designed safety scissors are used and carefully monitored to prevent injury or damage in the zero-gravity environment.

8. Smartphones

Personal smartphones are not permitted on space missions. Astronauts communicate using specially designed equipment that can withstand the rigors of space travel and doesn’t interfere with crucial spacecraft systems.

9. Perfume or Cologne

Strong fragrances are banned in the confined space of a spacecraft. The scents can be overwhelming and potentially irritating to crew members in the recycled air environment, affecting their comfort and potentially their ability to work effectively.

10. Regular Pens

Standard pens don’t work well in microgravity. Astronauts use special pressurized space pens or pencils for writing, ensuring that ink flows properly and doesn’t form potentially hazardous droplets in the cabin.

11. Chips & Crackers

Like bread, chips and crackers produce too many crumbs. These snacks could float into equipment or be inhaled by astronauts, posing a risk to both the crew’s health and the spacecraft’s sensitive instruments.

12. Regular Shampoo

Standard shampoo doesn’t work well without gravity. Astronauts use specialized rinseless shampoo that doesn’t require water to rinse out, conserving the precious resource of water and preventing floating soap bubbles.

13. Sugary Drinks

In addition to carbonation issues, sugary drinks are generally avoided due to the difficulty of maintaining dental hygiene in space. The high sugar content could lead to accelerated tooth decay in an environment where regular dental care is challenging.

14. Non-Approved Medications

Astronauts can only bring medications that have been specifically approved for space travel. This ensures all substances are safe and effective in the unique space environment, where drug interactions and side effects may differ from those on Earth.

15. Chewing Gum

Surprisingly, chewing gum is not allowed on space missions. The risk of it floating away and potentially damaging equipment is too high, and there’s also concern about proper disposal in the closed environment of a spacecraft.

Source:
1. Space