What fundamental physical constraint dictates hygiene decisions on the ISS due to water behavior?
Answer
Water forming floating spheres adhering to surfaces
In the absence of gravity aboard the ISS, the force that typically pulls water down and into a drain on Earth is missing. Consequently, any uncontrolled water immediately aggregates into floating spheres due to surface tension. These spheres pose significant hazards because they can adhere to sensitive equipment, potentially enter an astronaut’s eyes or lungs, thereby necessitating strict water containment protocols for all hygiene tasks to prevent floating contamination.
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