New Delhi, March 5 -- Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday, responded to 'one of the most asked questions' - "How astronauts stay fresh in space?" Explaining the process, he said it is essentially "the world's most expensive sponge bath," adding that the routine begins with what he described as "an unassuming bag."

The Ashok Chakra awardee said the process begins with a small sealed bag containing a washcloth pre-loaded with disinfecting shampoo. Astronauts add water to the bag, allowing the cloth to become fully saturated before opening it.

"It starts with this unassuming bag. Inside sits a washcloth pre-loaded with disinfecting shampoo - compact, efficient, and decidedly unglamorous. Add water, and the cloth becomes fully sa...