Virgin Galactic has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking mission scheduled for 2027, named 'Operation Period–01' (OP–01). This mission is dedicated to studying menstruation in microgravity, addressing a long-overlooked aspect of human spaceflight.
Mission Leadership and Objectives
The mission will be led by Manju Bangalore and Priya Abiram, founders of the Gen Z-led organisation Operation Period. Ms Abiram stated: 'By studying menstruation in microgravity, we have the opportunity to potentially unlock insights for astronauts, as well as help inform future biomedical research on Earth, from reproductive science to chronic conditions that remain under-researched and under-funded.'
This marks the first dedicated research mission to examine menstruation in microgravity, despite over 100 women having already travelled to space. Ms Bangalore added: 'This mission is about more than a scientific first, it's about correcting a fundamental design gap. Human spaceflight has historically been built around a narrow definition of the human body. We are working to expand that definition and ensure that future space exploration reflects the full diversity of human experience.'
Research Focus and Details
While specifics such as the spacecraft, launch date, and mission duration remain undisclosed, Virgin Galactic confirmed that the flight will be suborbital—travelling into outer space without achieving orbital velocity. The research design is spearheaded by Ms Bangalore and Ms Abiram, described by Virgin Galactic as 'emerging voices at the forefront of reproductive health and space innovation.'
Ms Bangalore holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Oregon and an M.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, with experience in parabolic flight campaigns. Ms Abiram earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.Eng. in Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University, having collaborated with NASA, Blue Origin, VAST, and Boeing.
The mission will concentrate on two primary research areas: menstrual fluid dynamics and menstrual product performance. According to Virgin Galactic, the findings could pave the way for period products in space and drive broader medical innovations.
Statements from Virgin Galactic
Amber Favaregh, Director of System Analysis & Research at Virgin Galactic, commented: 'At Virgin Galactic, we are committed to enabling human-tended research that expands the scope of what can be studied in space. This mission with Operation Period is a powerful example of how Virgin Galactic can continue to support real-time, in-flight scientific investigation into long-overlooked areas of human health, helping advance more inclusive and innovative exploration that delivers insight for both space and life on Earth.'
Further details on the mission timeline, research payloads, and additional collaborators are expected in the coming months.
Context and Challenges
Currently, NASA has no specific guidelines for how female astronauts manage menstruation in space. Some use sanitary products like pads or tampons, while others opt for hormonal contraceptives to suppress periods entirely. However, as missions extend in duration—such as a potential three-year journey to Mars—this becomes a logistical challenge. Dr Varsha Jain, a space gynaecologist at King's College London, explained: 'For a three-year mission, you'd need about 1,100 pills to keep periods away, and the flight must cope with carrying and disposing of all the packaging, including the cost of launching extra payload. The same applies to sanitary products.'
In 2022, the research group AstroCup sent two menstrual cups into space, demonstrating their durability with no damage, suggesting they could serve as a reusable solution for future missions.
