Astronauts living in the International Space Station (ISS) must adjust to a unique living environment that requires a lot of planning, organization, and adaptability. Here are some of the key aspects of how astronauts live in the ISS:
- Sleeping: Astronauts sleep in small sleeping cabins that are about the size of a phone booth. They strap themselves into a sleeping bag that is attached to the wall so they don’t float around while they sleep. They also wear earplugs and an eye mask to help block out the noise and light of the space station.
source - Eating: Astronauts eat a variety of pre-packaged meals that are specifically designed for space travel. They eat with utensils that have Velcro on them so they don’t float away while they eat. They also have to drink water from a special pouch because regular cups won’t work in microgravity.
source - Exercise: Astronauts must exercise for about two hours every day to prevent muscle and bone loss that can occur in microgravity. They use special equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight lifting machines that are specially designed for use in space.
source - Working: Astronauts work on a variety of experiments and maintenance tasks while in the ISS. They use laptops and tablets to communicate with mission control on Earth and to access the procedures and instructions they need for their work.
source - Personal hygiene: Astronauts must take care of their personal hygiene in space just like they do on Earth. They use a combination of water and no-rinse soap to clean themselves and use a vacuum system to clean up any debris or hair that might float around the cabin.
- Relaxation: In their free time, astronauts can relax by watching movies, reading books, or playing games. They can also take in the breathtaking views of Earth from the windows of the ISS.
Living in the ISS can be challenging, but the astronauts who live there are highly trained professionals who have been selected for their ability to adapt to the unique environment of space. They work closely with mission control on Earth to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that they have everything they need to carry out their missions.
