Quck answer
Living on the International Space Station (ISS) is a unique experience. Astronauts live and work in a confined and weightless environment. They sleep in sleeping bags attached to the walls, eat specially packaged food, and exercise for two hours each day to maintain muscle and bone health. Daily tasks include conducting research experiments, maintaining equipment, and communicating with mission control. Astronauts experience 16 sunrises and sunsets each day due to the station’s orbit. They also face challenges such as limited privacy, potential health risks, and being away from loved ones for long periods. Despite these challenges, living on the ISS offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to scientific discoveries and explore the wonders of space.
Have you ever fantasized about becoming an astronaut? How about setting foot on another planet? Would you be interested in dwelling on a spacecraft orbiting high above Earth? What would the experience be like to reside on the International Space Station?
Is it comparable to life on the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek? Or perhaps more akin to staying at a luxurious resort? Maybe it’s similar to living in your car?
The future envisioned by Star Trek has yet to arrive. The International Space Station (ISS) is quite different from either a luxurious resort or an average automobile. So, what is life like aboard the ISS?
The ISS is a satellite that circles Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of over 220 miles. The space agencies of the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and several European countries collaborate to maintain its operations.
The ISS can accommodate up to 10 astronauts. Their expeditions can last up to six months at a time. During that period, astronauts aboard the ISS adhere to a detailed daily schedule. It dictates when to wake up, eat, exercise, work, relax, and go to sleep.
The ISS offers over 15,000 cubic feet of living space, providing more room than an average three-bedroom home. Its laboratory is a crucial component that enables various interesting research endeavors. In the lab, gravity can be virtually eliminated for extended durations.
The microgravity environment of the ISS makes everyday activities, such as washing hair and using the bathroom, a bit more challenging than on Earth. Astronauts wash their hair with a rinseless shampoo. To use the bathroom, they must secure themselves to the toilet with leg restraints and thigh bars. The toilet itself functions like a vacuum cleaner that sucks air and waste into special tanks.
Astronauts must dedicate about two hours each day to exercise. They utilize specialized equipment specifically designed for the ISS. Without regular exercise, astronauts would experience significant muscle and bone loss due to the low gravity of space.
The food consumed by astronauts is specifically designed for space missions. It comes in disposable packages for easy storage. Some foods, like brownies, can be consumed in space just as they are on Earth. However, others present unique challenges. Do you enjoy adding salt to your food? In space, you can’t sprinkle salt onto your meal because it would simply float away! As a result, astronauts have to use a special liquid version of salt.
When they’re not occupied with scientific experiments or maintenance on the ISS, astronauts can unwind and have fun in various ways. Sometimes, simply gazing out the window at Earth spinning below is enjoyable. Other activities include listening to music, reading books, playing cards, watching movies, and communicating with their families.
As you can see, living on the ISS poses certain challenges that do not exist on Earth. What do you think? Would you relish spending six months or more on the ISS?
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to explore outer space? Make sure to engage in the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Are you interested in becoming an astronaut? Visit NASA’s Train Like an Astronaut page to discover exciting activities designed to promote a healthier lifestyle for children. Invite your friends and family to join you in these activities! Why do you think astronaut training is so challenging? Discuss what it would truly be like to undergo training for space travel.
- What is the actual experience of living in space? Watch these Astronaut Videos to learn more about the astronauts who work at NASA. Listen as they share their journeys to becoming astronauts and their experiences in space. Do you think being an astronaut would be enjoyable? Why or why not? Have a conversation with a friend or family member.
- Many children have dreams of growing up to become astronauts. What about you? Based on what you have learned today, does the idea of living in space for an extended period of time appeal to you? Or would you prefer to take a short trip to the Moon and back? Maybe you would even be willing to travel all the way to Mars to establish a colony, with no intention of returning to Earth! Write a short story that you can share with friends and family members about the type of astronaut you aspire to be one day.
Sources of Wonder
- http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/04/international-space-station-explainer/ (accessed on 26th Oct. 2020)
- http://science.howstuffworks.com/international-space-station4.htm (accessed on 26th Oct. 2020)
- http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/dayinthelife/#.VVJT5vlViko (accessed on 26th Oct. 2020)
FAQ
1. What is the International Space Station (ISS)?
The International Space Station is a habitable space station that orbits around the Earth. It serves as a research laboratory, where astronauts from different countries conduct experiments in various fields such as biology, physics, and astronomy.
2. How do astronauts live in the International Space Station?
Astronauts live in a confined space with limited resources. They sleep in small sleeping bags attached to the walls, eat pre-packaged meals, and exercise regularly to mitigate the effects of living in a microgravity environment. They also have access to communication devices to stay connected with their families and mission control on Earth.
3. What is the daily routine like on the International Space Station?
The daily routine on the International Space Station is highly structured. Astronauts follow a schedule that includes various activities such as conducting experiments, maintaining the station’s systems, exercising, and communicating with Earth. They also have designated time for personal activities like sleeping and leisure.
4. How do astronauts cope with the challenges of living in space?
Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for the challenges of living in space. They learn how to adapt to the microgravity environment, manage their time effectively, and handle emergencies. They also receive psychological support to cope with isolation and the physical demands of space travel.
5. How long do astronauts stay on the International Space Station?
The duration of an astronaut’s stay on the International Space Station varies. Most astronauts stay for about six months, while some may have shorter or longer missions. The length of stay depends on factors such as the purpose of the mission, available resources, and the astronaut’s health.
6. What are the main challenges of living on the International Space Station?
Living on the International Space Station poses several challenges. The lack of gravity affects the human body, leading to muscle and bone loss. Astronauts also face the risk of radiation exposure and potential psychological issues due to isolation. Additionally, the limited living space and reliance on technology require efficient resource management and maintenance.
Leave a Reply