Crossword Genius

Key place for astronauts to hydrate? (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

space bar

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'key' is the definition.
(I know that space bar is a type of key)

'place for astronauts to hydrate?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'place' could be 'space' (synonyms) and 'space' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'bar' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for space bar that I've seen before include "A keyboard feature" , "Key feature" , "Restaurant at the End of the Universe?" , "Largest typewriter key" , "provision for thirsty astronauts?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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