Living in space is a unique experience that combines technology, discipline, routine, and a deeper interest in the Cosmic unknowns. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) follow a structured schedule, carry out complex tasks, and live in a microgravity environment, which affects every aspect of their daily lives. Let’s dive into their daily life tasks to know more!
Waking Up in Orbit
Each morning, astronauts aboard the ISS wake up to an alarm at a scheduled time. Their 'beds' are actually sleeping bags secured to the wall, and to prevent themselves from floating away in microgravity, they strap in with a belt while they sleep. They also use ear plugs and sleep masks to block noise and light. There is no sunrise or sunset in the traditional sense because the ISS orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes, experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. To maintain a regular sleep cycle or circadian rhythm, the crew uses a strict schedule regulated by mission control, along with carefully controlled lighting to simulate day and night.
Personal Hygiene and Breakfast
Personal hygiene in space is a challenge due to the lack of running water. Instead of washing clothes, they use disposable clothes, replacing them with new ones at a regular interval of two to three days. Instead of taking showers, they clean themselves with wet towel and wet wipes. They use no-rinse shampoo and waterless toothpaste. They also use specially designed space toilets that use airflow instead of gravity. They avoid shaving and cutting hair as much as possible. Even if they have to, they do it close to a suction pipe to make sure hair does not float around.
Food for the astronauts is prepared using vacuum-sealed food packages. Meals are rich in nutrients and calories to ensure astronauts maintain their strength and health. Food options include scrambled eggs, cereal, fruit, and coffee — all consumed using specially designed utensils and containers to prevent floating food particles. Drinks and soups are provided in sealed plastic pouches and sipped through straws. For more solid meals, astronauts use knives and forks, kept in place with magnets to prevent them from floating away from the dining table.
The ISS life support system works to make use of recycling as much as possible. Urine is purified to reuse; however, solid human feces is not recycled, but rather stored for disposal.
Daily Work Schedule
After breakfast, the typical workday begins, with breaks in between for lunch and exercise. Daily tasks include conducting scientific experiments, maintaining the spacecraft, checking life-support systems, and communicating with mission control. Scientific research aboard the ISS spans multiple disciplines, from biology and physics to Earth observation and technology testing, offering valuable insights that cannot be obtained on Earth.
Exercise in Microgravity
One of the most important aspects of an astronaut’s daily routine is exercise. In the absence of gravity, muscles and bones can weaken rapidly. Exercise also helps relieve the stuffy feeling astronauts get when fluids move up into their heads without gravity to keep things in place. To combat these, astronauts are required to exercise for about two hours each day using specially designed equipment like the Treadmill, the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), and the Cycle Ergometer. This rigorous physical activity helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
Communication with Earth
Throughout the day, astronauts maintain regular communication with mission control and their families. Scheduled video calls and messages help them stay connected with loved ones, which is crucial for mental well-being. Astronauts communicate with Earth using a variety of tools to stay connected. One primary method is the Softphone system, a modified IP-based phone on their laptops that allows voice calls via headset, though there's often a slight delay due to the distance.
Mission control provides instructions, updates, and support to ensure the crew’s activities are coordinated and effective.
Meals and Recreation
Lunch and dinner are similar to breakfast in preparation and consumption. Meals are often eaten together, fostering a sense of mutual support and teamwork.
Recreational time is limited but essential. Astronauts spend their free time reading, watching movies, listening to music, or observing Earth from the ISS, offering breathtaking views of the planet.
Challenges of Space Living
Living in space presents numerous psychological and physical challenges. The confined space, absence of natural weather and daylight, and distance from family can lead to stress and emotional strain. To manage this, astronauts undergo psychological training and have access to support services during their mission.
Additionally, the body undergoes significant changes in space. Fluids shift towards the upper body, taste perception can change, and the immune system may weaken. Astronauts are carefully monitored, and their health is constantly evaluated.
Preparation and Training
Before going to space, astronauts undergo years of rigorous training. This includes simulations of spacewalks, emergency procedures, and scientific experiment training. They also prepare for the psychological aspects of isolation and confinement. Once in space, the schedule is tightly managed to optimize performance and minimize risks.
The daily life of an astronaut in space requires dedication and discipline. Every action, from eating and exercising to conducting experiments and sleeping, is adapted to the conditions of microgravity. Despite the challenges, astronauts find deep meaning and inspiration in their work, contributing to the advancement of human knowledge and the future of space exploration. Their experience not only pushes the boundaries of science but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of humans in the most extreme environments.
By Dr trishani biswas