21.03.2025.
Every NASA mission embodies the spirit of discovery, contributing to advancements in science and technology. But what is life like for astronauts who spend months orbiting Earth? NASA has provided some insights into how astronauts live and work in space, highlighting the importance of health and hygiene in a zero-gravity environment.
Health and hygiene in space
Astronauts must combat motion sickness, claustrophobia, and homesickness, while also being prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise.
With no gravity to keep bodily fluids in place, astronauts often feel like they have a constant head cold due to fluid buildup in the upper body. Exercise is crucial to counteract muscle and bone deterioration, requiring astronauts to work out for at least two hours daily on treadmills or stationary bikes.
Hygiene also takes a different approach in space. Without showers, astronauts rely on sponge baths using special washcloths and rinseless shampoo. Toothpaste can either be swallowed or suctioned out, much like a visit to the dentist.
Haircuts require a specially designed vacuum to prevent loose hair from floating away.
Air quality aboard spacecraft is carefully managed. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) creates oxygen through electrolysis, splitting water molecules using solar power. Scientists are exploring plant-based systems to replace this mechanical process in the future.
Water is a precious resource in space, so it is constantly recycled. A Russian-built water processor converts humidity and condensation from the air into drinking and bathing water.
Housing and sleeping arrangements
The International Space Station (ISS) offers astronauts more space than the space shuttle, but quarters are still tight. The primary living area, the Zvezda Service Module, contains sleeping cabins, a galley, a refrigerator/freezer, exercise equipment, and even a kitchen table.
Sleeping in microgravity presents its own challenges, requiring astronauts to strap themselves into sleep stations or onto walls to prevent floating around.
Space toilets
Using the toilet in space is a vastly different experience from Earth. Instead of flushing, fans create suction to pull waste into a containment system.
Each astronaut has a personal urinal funnel attached to a hose, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness. The waste is stored and later disposed of in space or transported back to Earth.
Eating in space
Astronauts eat pre-packaged meals, heated or rehydrated using a specialized galley.
Food containers are disposable, and utensils are sanitized with moist towelettes.
Despite the limitations, astronauts enjoy a variety of meals, with some foods specially designed to provide essential nutrients needed for long-duration space missions.
Staying connected
Astronauts can call home using a Softphone system connected to a laptop, which routes calls via Internet Protocol (IP). However, delays of up to one second can occur due to the vast distance.
They also have access to email and HAM radio, allowing them to stay in touch with loved ones and communicate with students and researchers on Earth.
An astronaut’s day in space
On weekdays, the astronauts keep busy with their daily routine of experiments, planning, meals and exercise.
A typical day is planned with Mission Control. The timeline below demonstrates the strict time schedule astronauts follow:
- An average day on the station starts with breakfast, personal hygiene, housecleaning and checking the daily schedule on a laptop computer.
- Next, blood samples are drawn for analysis later in the day and a daily conference is conducted with Mission Control to make sure everyone knows what is scheduled throughout the day.
- A routine air quality check is taken and the crew begins work on allotted experiments.
- Later, another air quality check is done and the crew hits the treadmill and exercise bike for a two-hour daily exercise regimen. The entire crew then meets for lunch in the Zvezda Service Module.
- After lunch, the crew receives a one-hour break and then it’s back to work, doing routine maintenance on the station, conducting research and working on experiments.
- Afterward, the cabin’s air pressure is checked and the crew does a few more laps on the treadmill.
- Next, tasks are finished, experiments cleaned and station systems checked.
- The crew then eats and has another daily planning conference to prepare for the next day.
- Finally, the crew has free time to get ready for bed and rest for the next busy day ahead.
On the weekends, the crew does housecleaning and works on the station’s miscellaneous to-do list.
FOTO:
NASA; Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition 6 NASA ISS science officer,
uses a camera after performing P-1 Truss launch lock releases on the
International Space Station during a spacewalk.
