Personal Hygiene System

The personal hygiene system is located on the side of the galley. It has a water dispensing system with warm water heated from 18 to 35 degrees centigrade (64.4F to 95F) for the crew to take sponge baths. The ÒshowerÓ has an airflow system that sucks the water into the OrbiterÕs waste collection system. This keeps it from floating around in the microgravity environment and endangering the OrbiterÕs sensitive electronics.

Each crew member is given a personal hygiene kit for the mission. This kit includes items such as a toothbrush, a hair comb or brush, nail clippers, and shaving supplies. Men have to be careful when shaving their faces. If any cut whiskers were allowed to float off into the cabin, they could get into the computer equipment and cause some serious problems.