Science is not always clean. Scientists often need to roll up their sleeves and get dirty for the sake of human advancement. I doubt some of them expected to rifle through a man's dirty laundry, though.

Koichi Wakata, Japan's first long-term Space Station resident, had been scheduled to test out some experimental underwear designed by the Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency (JAXA). Intended to be worn for long periods, the so-called "J-Ware" could dry quickly, resist odor, absorb moisture, and provide insulation. Wakata was to wear the space boxers for two weeks. If proven, the new undies could save on time, effort, and storage space aboard the cramped facility.

Unfortunately, the overenthusiastic astronaut wore his cyber-drawers for two whole months, testing the clothing far too thoroughly. Now grossed-out Japanese researchers will be forced to check not for two weeks worth of astro-dirt, but two months worth! The next stage of research could see JAXA creating hybrid underwear/toilets, with vacuum tubes to shuffle all kinds of things to a belt-mounted storage/recycling device.

And to think I wanted to become an astronaut when I grew up. Check the gallery for pictures. Don't worry, there are none of Wakata demonstrating the space pants, though there are pics of the ISS' vacuum-based toilet.