Details Most People Don't Know About Life On The ISS

The day-to-day life of astronauts has long been a source of fascination and inquiry for people on Earth. Life on the International Space Station (ISS) is no exception. The ISS itself has been in orbit for 25 years after being constructed as a joint effort between several nations in Europe, North America, and Asia. Since the official launch of the station, more than 270 astronauts have visited and have experienced life on the ISS. This includes both the fascinating experiences of orbiting the earth, as well as the day-to-day challenges.

Due to the intricacies of the ISS and a lack of gravity, astronauts are prepared in numerous ways before their mission. This includes modifications to everything from eating, sleeping, toileting, and bathing, to exercising, and grooming. Interestingly, astronauts on the ISS also have set work schedules and free time, just like many people on Earth. If you've ever viewed the ISS from Earth and wondered what it is like to live on the station, know that astronauts are able to complete many of the daily activities they would normally do on Earth, but with some key differences.

The last time you ate a meal, you were likely focused on its taste, texture, and nutrients. Astronauts aboard the ISS also have another factor to consider: the characteristics of gravity, and its absence in particular. Seemingly innocuous items, such as beverages and crumbs, can become floating projectiles. (For these reasons, bread is just one of the foods astronauts are banned from eating on the ISS!). To prevent such dangers, astronauts have to use special containers and trays to keep food and liquids in place during consumption. Any food packages are also velcroed or taped onto serving trays so that meals don't float away before the astronauts get a chance to eat them.

Aside from the way foods are eaten on the ISS, there are different protocols in place for food preparation. In fact, all meals are prepared well before each astronaut's flight to the ISS. American astronauts must give their dietary preferences in advance. NASA's Space Food Systems Laboratory is responsible for cooking, preserving, and packaging all foods for the astronauts. To ensure a long shelf-life, all foods go under either freeze drying or thermostabilization. It's also possible for astronauts to bring some of their own favorite snacks on board the ISS, but these must be submitted to the Space Food Systems Laboratory first so they can undergo inspection and repackaging. There are no refrigerators or other kitchen appliances aboard the ISS, but foods can be rehydrated by adding water, and some items may be reheated with the help of a small oven.

With all the issues that might interfere with you being able to get some sleep at night, a lack of gravity is likely not one of them. However, much like with dining, astronauts on the ISS have to modify their sleep quarters to make up for the lack of gravity. There are no bedrooms on the ISS per se, and astronauts sleep in phone booth-like stations to prevent them from floating around. Most people on the station sleep upright in these spaces, although it is possible to sleep outside of sleep stations. In either case, their sleeping bags must be secured to the ground or wall to prevent them from floating.

Not only do astronauts have to deal with a lack of gravity, but their circadian rhythms are also off during their time on the ISS. On average, people working on the ISS experience the sun rising and setting 16 times each within a 24-hour period. Needless to say, this can make it difficult for the body to recognize sleeping and waking signals. Astronauts on the ISS often use sleep masks to help block out these frequent sunrises. Researchers are also looking at other potential options to help normalize circadian rhythms, such as specialized lamps. Overall, each astronaut sleeps an average of six hours per day while on the ISS.

Indoor plumbing has significantly evolved over the last several decades, leading to the creation of functional and healthy bathrooms. The situation is a bit different on the ISS, though. As with eating and sleeping, people on Earth often take gravity for granted when it comes to using a toilet. If proper protocols are not followed on the ISS, there's a risk that urine and waste can turn into floating debris — a situation that would certainly not be healthy or safe for anyone on board.

The good news is there are several ways astronauts on the ISS can use the bathroom while also preventing these sorts of accidents. There are two toilets on the ISS. Space toilets have evolved since the 1960s, with those on the ISS now functioning more like toilets on Earth. In particular, changes were made in 2018 to create a vacuum-style toilet so that astronauts didn't have to stand up or use leg straps while seated. Another difference is the way that urine and waste is disposed of. Urine is recycled into drinking water, while the majority of waste is taken back towards Earth and subsequently burned in the atmosphere upon re-entry.

Being in space is undoubtedly a physically demanding job, but there is still a risk of muscle wasting due to low gravity. There is also a chance of developing weak bones due to these effects of space on the human body. On average, people who visit the ISS have been found to lose between 14% and 30% of their bone mineral density within a six-month stay. Regular exercise is key to combating these risks. Astronauts on the ISS can still exercise outside of their jobs and help to maintain physical fitness thanks to equipment installed for these specific purposes. What's more, in addition to the way the cardiovascular system functions during exercise, the astronauts will likely reap the mental health benefits associated with regular exercise as well.

Space exercise equipment has significantly evolved in recent years. Initially, astronauts only had resistance bands. Today, the ISS is equipped with its own gym of sorts, where astronauts can work out for an average of two hours per day. While the exercise equipment is continuously studied for its effects and physical benefits, astronauts have the option of using more advanced resistance bands, weight-lifting machines, a treadmill, and a cycling machine. Of course, due to the lack of gravity, exercise equipment in space is different than the free weights you might find at our local gym. Among some of the tweaks to these devices include bungee cords and vacuum sealants to keep everything (and everyone) in place while working out. Also, unlike a typical biking machine you normally sit on top of, astronauts can instead cycle while standing up.

A shower is a necessity after a sweaty workout, but just as astronauts on the ISS have a modified gym, their bathing situation is much different than that on Earth. Water streaming effortlessly out of a shower head, shampoo bottles tailored to your hair type, and your favorite scented soaps are all things you likely take for granted. These perceived necessities do not exist on the ISS. Also, as with every other Earth-based activity humans are accustomed to, showering in space must be modified due to a lack of gravity.

You can think of bathing on the ISS more akin to a sponge bath, but there are still some major differences. Instead of using running water, astronauts bathe with the help of pre-filled pouches of water, liquid soaps, and rinse-less shampoos. These items are carefully squeezed out in small amounts to avoid excess product escaping into the air. Astronauts must also bathe next to a specialized airflow system that can quickly capture water droplets. Also, just like urine, any water that is used during the bathing process on the ISS is recycled.

Aside from bathing, there are likely other everyday routine tasks you may take for granted on Earth. Whether this entails shaving, brushing your teeth, or applying makeup, it's easy to take such habits for granted. Astronauts can still do all of these tasks on the ISS. Once again though, gravity can work against them and pose dangers if they do not follow the proper protocols.

For example, similar to bathing, astronauts must use water and toothpaste squeezed out of pouches while brushing their teeth. Many astronauts choose to use edible toothpaste so they can easily swallow the product after brushing their teeth, rather than trying to make a mess of spitting it out into a rag that might float away. It also turns out that astronauts can also keep their hair trimmed and groomed during missions. NASA confirmed this fact after people started raising questions on social media about whether being in space impacted the astronauts' hair growth process. With the right equipment, astronauts can shave and cut their hair while also using a vacuum attachment. Any hair that escapes ends up getting cleaned out of the air vents. Also, if you want to wear makeup on the ISS, you can do so as long as you have all items secured between applications. One major exception, however, is powdered products — any loose foundation, blushes, and eyeshadows can float away and become dangerous to machines and other astronauts on board.

Emotions can run high whenever you, a friend, or a family member goes on an extended trip for work or leisure, especially if you are not to talk with loved ones as often as normal. The dynamics are understandably challenging during any long-term work commitment, and perhaps even more so for astronauts who are literally 250 miles above Earth, as well as their loved ones back home. Thankfully, advances in technology have made it possible for astronauts on the ISS to communicate with family and friends back home. Among the options include video communications, radio systems, and social media platforms.

Astronauts now have personal laptops connected to the internet, which can be used for video chats, emails, and social media chats. Despite technological changes, video communications between the ISS and Earth are not always as fool-proof as they might appear in movies. These rely on a carefully maintained network of receivers and transmitters. Even then, delays and interference from solar radiation can occur. Another important aspect is communicating with each other. When talking with one another outside of the ISS during spacewalks, the astronauts use radio systems. They also must be semi-fluent in English and Russian to accurately read onboard signage and communicate with each other.

Forms of entertainment are considered among some of the supplies you need to survive in space. While it's hard to imagine getting "bored" in space, it's important for astronauts on the ISS to maintain a work-life balance, including forms of entertainment to help them unwind. The ISS is indeed their temporary home, but it's also technically their place of work. As such, astronauts have a "typical" work week consisting of five working days, and two days off. They also have free time when their workday is done, barring any emergencies that might arise. While giving astronauts down time is now the norm, this is a far cry from some of the earlier space missions when humans had virtually no time for themselves outside of work.

During their much-needed days off, astronauts can relax and participate in a range of activities. For example, they might watch movies or surf the internet, or perhaps take this time to catch up with family and friends back on Earth. Notably, some astronauts have even taken musical instruments with them to the ISS, such as keyboards, saxophones, and guitars. Once in a while, astronauts might also tune in to events happening at home, such as major sports games and concerts. Other common activities include listening to music, artwork, photography, and more.

Prolonged lack of gravity not only makes everyday life difficult for astronauts on the ISS, but it can cause a variety of health changes to people while in space. Such changes may last long after astronauts head back to Earth. Among these include decreased muscle mass and bone density, as well as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects. There's also a risk of looking older due to thinning of the epidermal layer of your skin. What's more, researchers have raised concerns over the negative effects of radiation exposure, as well as changes to hormones and your immune system after going into space.

Despite such risks, this doesn't mean that every astronaut who goes on a mission to the ISS will be doomed to suffer permanent health consequences after their work in space. First, in order to help monitor the health of the astronauts, NASA assigns a flight surgeon to each crew before every ISS mission. In addition to physical health, the mental health needs of astronauts are also constantly monitored. Aside from the daily exercise routines previously mentioned, nutrition is also paramount to keeping astronauts healthy and to help keep their immune systems in working order. Astronauts being able to eat in space is also dependent on nutritious meals — these can also help to counteract some of the effects of gravity changes on bone density and muscle mass. This includes getting adequate amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, as well as micronutrients like iron and calcium. Any astronaut experiencing a medical emergency that cannot be treated on the ISS is flown back to Earth.