Space exploration demands precision, safety, and practicality, which means even the smallest items aboard spacecraft are subject to strict scrutiny. Everyday objects that seem harmless on Earth can pose significant risks in microgravity, from floating debris to system malfunctions.
Here are 16 surprising items banned from space and the innovative solutions astronauts use instead, showcasing how safety shapes life among the stars.
1. Bread & Crackers
Traditional baked goods pose a serious hazard in space due to their tendency to produce crumbs. These tiny particles can float freely in microgravity, potentially damaging sensitive equipment or getting into astronauts’ eyes and lungs.
Instead of regular bread, astronauts use tortillas as their primary sandwich base. This crumb-free alternative has become a staple of space cuisine, offering a practical solution while still allowing crews to enjoy familiar meals.
Interesting Fact: John Young actually smuggled a corn-beef sandwich into space in 1965. (ref)
2. Carbonated Beverages
Sodas and other fizzy drinks behave very differently in space. Without gravity to separate gas from liquid, the carbonation bubbles remain trapped within the beverage, causing significant digestive discomfort for astronauts.
The inability of bubbles to escape the liquid also renders these drinks completely flat and unpalatable. NASA’s tests in the 1980s and 1990s confirmed that warm, flat carbonated beverages were highly unpopular among crew members.
3. Salt & Pepper
Traditional granular seasonings are strictly forbidden in space. In microgravity, these tiny particles would float freely, potentially clogging air filters and irritating astronauts’ eyes and respiratory systems.
NASA has developed liquid alternatives for seasoning space food. These special formulations allow astronauts to add flavor to their meals without the risks associated with loose particles.
4. Ice Cream
Regular ice cream is banned from space missions due to the lack of proper freezer facilities aboard spacecraft. The potential for melting and the resulting mess makes it impractical for space travel.
While freeze-dried “astronaut ice cream” exists as a novelty on Earth, it’s rarely actually used in space due to its crumbly nature. The risk of floating particles makes it more of a tourist shop item than a practical space food.
5. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on NASA missions. The ban exists not only for safety reasons but also because alcohol can have enhanced effects at higher altitudes and in microgravity conditions.
The presence of alcohol could potentially compromise critical decision-making abilities and damage essential equipment aboard the spacecraft. (ref)
Interesting Fact: The Russians have different rules, and apparently are allowed to drink Cognac for immune health.
6. Perfumes & Strong Scents
Fragrances and strong-smelling products are not permitted in space due to the confined nature of spacecraft. In the closed environment of a space station, scents can become overwhelming and potentially disturbing to other crew members.
These products can also interfere with the sophisticated air filtration systems necessary for maintaining breathable air in space.
7. Glass Items
Any items made of glass are strictly forbidden due to the serious hazard they present in microgravity. If broken, glass shards would float freely through the cabin, posing a severe risk to both crew members and equipment.
All containers and instruments must be made from space-approved materials that won’t shatter or create dangerous debris if damaged.
8. Video Games
Electronic gaming devices are prohibited due to concerns about battery reliability in microgravity. The potential for battery failure could pose risks to both the devices and the spacecraft’s systems.
Astronauts instead focus on their mission tasks and use approved entertainment options during their limited free time.
9. Pressurized Containers
Items like aerosol cans, shaving cream, or pressurized deodorant are banned from space travel. These containers could rupture in the extreme conditions of space, causing their contents to disperse uncontrollably.
Alternative delivery systems have been developed for necessary personal care products that don’t rely on pressurization.
10. Open Flame Devices
Any items that could produce flames are strictly prohibited due to the oxygen-rich environment of spacecraft. Fire behaves unpredictably in microgravity and poses an extreme risk to crew safety.
Special heating systems have been developed for warming food and conducting necessary experiments that don’t involve open flames.
11. Regular Pens & Pencils
Standard writing implements are not allowed in space. Regular pens don’t function properly without gravity to draw ink down, while pencils pose risks from broken graphite particles and flammable wood.
Special space pens have been developed that can write in zero gravity, extreme temperatures, and upside down. (ref)
12. Chairs
Traditional furniture like chairs serves no practical purpose in microgravity environments. Without Earth’s gravity, conventional seating would simply float away and potentially become a hazard.
Spacecraft are instead equipped with specialized restraints and anchor points that allow astronauts to work and rest effectively in zero gravity.
13. Fresh Milk
Regular milk is not permitted due to storage limitations and spoilage concerns. The lack of refrigeration and extended mission durations make fresh dairy products impractical.
Astronauts use specially processed dehydrated milk that can be safely stored and reconstituted when needed.
14. Firearms
Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited in space. The risks of accidental discharge and potential damage to the spacecraft’s hull make firearms particularly dangerous in the space environment.
Safety protocols focus on non-violent conflict resolution and emergency procedures that don’t require weapons.
15. Pizza
Traditional pizza is effectively banned due to the impossibility of achieving a crispy crust in space. The moisture content and preparation requirements make it impractical for space consumption.
While some modified versions have been attempted, the authentic Earth-style pizza remains impossible to recreate in space conditions.
16. Excessive Personal Items
Strict weight and size limitations severely restrict personal belongings in space. Astronauts are typically limited to a small personal preference kit weighing about 3.3 pounds.
Every item must be carefully evaluated for necessity and safety before being approved for space travel, ensuring that only essential items make the journey.
The strict regulations governing space-bound items reflect the complex challenges of living and working in microgravity. While these restrictions might seem limiting, they’ve led to innovations in space-safe alternatives, from specialized writing instruments to creative meal solutions.
As space exploration continues to evolve, with missions becoming longer and more ambitious, these safety protocols remain crucial for protecting both astronauts and their sophisticated equipment.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
