Ever wondered about the quotidian life of a human in the mesmerising maw of the cosmos? Allow us, the astronomical cognoscenti, to take you on an astonishing expedition of what a day in space is like.

Life beyond Earth’s Atmosphere

There is much more chaos going on outside our blue planet that what meets the eye. It’s like living in a completely different dimension, where routine life demands conscious efforts, as simple as drinking water becomes an adventure itself, and going to sleep, a complex process.

The Space Wake-Up Call

On the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts usually wake up around 6 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time. The day starts pretty much like here on Earth with freshening up and breakfast. But instead of cereal, picture instant coffee, rehydratable scrambled eggs, and thermostabilized granola bars.

Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA)

Once breakfast is done, astronauts often engage in Spacewalks or EVA for several hours to conduct experiments or maintain and repair the station. In the microgravity environment, even trivial tasks here on Earth require meticulous effort and planning in space.

Station-Keeping: Daily Chores Up There

Cleaning the spacecraft and maintaining an orderly environment is just as important in space as it is on Earth. Hence, astronauts become plumbers, electricians, and cleaners for a portion of their day. They also need to exercise for two hours to stay fit and healthy in the microgravity environment.

Cosmic Cuisine: Dinner in Space

Astronauts do have dinner but they consume meals prepared on Earth and sent to space. Food is vacuum sealed and easy to rehydrate to deal with the absence of gravity. Following dinner, there is a bit of personal downtime before they turn in for the night.

Night under the Otherworldly Light

In the absence of conventional beds, nights are spent in small crew cabins in sleeping bags tethered to the wall. They need eye masks and earplugs due to the station’s constant light and noise.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Day in Space

1. **How do astronauts spend their day? ** Astronauts spend their day much like how one would on Earth. They wake up, have breakfast, work, have lunch, work some more, relax, have dinner, and sleep.

2. What do astronauts eat and drink in space? Astronauts have specially packed meals and drinks that are easy to rehydrate and consume in the absence of gravity.

3. **How do astronauts sleep in space? ** Astronauts sleep in sleeping bags tethered to the wall, often in small crew cabins. They use eye masks and earplugs due to the continuous light and noise in the station.

Navigating through the mysteries and intricacies of space is no child’s play. Yet, our brave astronauts take on the challenge every day, living their lives in an environment alien to everything we know. It is an adventure unlike any other, a testament to the endless human spirit to explore and conquer new frontiers.

Article updated at Tuesday, October 8, 2024