Imagine being in a situation that sounds like it’s straight out of a science fiction film.
That’s the reality for astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who find themselves potentially stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) until 2025.
What was meant to be an eight-day mission has now stretched into an unexpected eight-month stay.
Even though the views from space are breathtaking, the ISS is not exactly the ideal place for a long-term visit.
With cramped quarters and zero gravity, daily tasks become incredibly challenging.
Back on Earth, going to bed is a simple act.
In space, however, things are quite different.
Without gravity, astronauts can’t lie down or rest their heads on a pillow.
Their sleeping quarters are in the Harmony Module, where four ‘sleep stations’ are located.
Each station is about the size of a phone booth, and astronauts sleep in bags tethered to the walls.
While these stations offer some privacy and darkness, falling asleep in microgravity can be quite difficult.
The ISS toilet, humorously known as the ‘orbital outhouse,’ is a world away from what we’re used to on Earth.
Located in the Tranquility module, it features separate receptacles for solid and liquid waste.
Astronauts use a hose with a funnel for urine, which prevents it from floating around the station.
For solid waste, a small hole with a fan-powered suction system helps manage things.
Though the setup is efficient, astronauts have reported that it requires practice and can be somewhat messy.
Dealing with Noise and CO2: Sleep on the ISS
The ISS can be noisy due to the life support systems and constant exposure to sunlight.
To help them sleep, astronauts use eye masks and earplugs.
A significant risk while sleeping in space is the buildup of CO2, which can create a dangerous ‘bubble’ around their heads.
Fortunately, NASA’s sleeping pods are well-ventilated, ensuring that astronauts can breathe fresh air.
Astronauts are allotted eight hours of sleep each night after a 16-hour workday, though most end up with around six hours.
Personal Hygiene in Space: No Showers, Just Washcloths
Astronauts start their day with brushing their teeth and a wash, but it’s far from routine.
In the absence of gravity, water forms floating blobs, making showers impractical.
Instead, astronauts use washcloths—one for washing and another for rinsing.
Hair is cleaned with rinseless shampoo, and haircuts are done with a vacuum to manage stray hair.
Toothpaste is either spat onto a piece of paper or swallowed to prevent floating residue from harming electronics.
The Work Routine: Long Hours and Intensive Tasks
Astronauts work long shifts, often up to 16 hours a day, with breaks for meals.
Their duties include routine maintenance, repairs, and scientific experiments.
Some tasks involve spacewalks, where astronauts venture outside the ISS.
Experiments focus on understanding space radiation and microgravity effects.
Eating in Space: Dehydrated Meals and No Alcohol
Astronauts consume about 2,500 calories daily, spread across three meals and snacks.
Most food is dehydrated for easy storage and rehydrated using water guns before being heated.
They also have powdered drinks and used to have access to the ISSpresso for coffee.
Meals are prepared in the Unity module, equipped with necessary tools and antibacterial materials.
Astronauts usually eat alone during the week, but gather for a group meal on Sundays.
Alcohol is strictly forbidden, with Buzz Aldrin being the only astronaut to have had wine in space during a private communion.
Staying Fit: Daily Exercise Requirements
Astronauts must exercise for two hours daily to maintain their health.
Without gravity, muscles can atrophy quickly, which can affect mobility upon returning to Earth.
The ISS provides exercise equipment including a bike, treadmill, and weight-lifting system.
These machines use various methods to simulate the effects of gravity.
To stay motivated and positive during their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore have engaged in weightless Olympic-inspired workouts.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!