The daily lives of astronauts in space are vastly different from our own, sparking a multitude of questions about how they manage even the most mundane tasks. For instance, how do they shower, eat, or spend their days in an environment where life doesn’t resemble what we’re accustomed to on Earth?
Two American astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 for a mission that was initially supposed to last eight days. However, due to a series of malfunctions in the Boeing spacecraft that transported them to the orbital laboratory, their plans were altered, and they ended up staying for nine months. As they prepare to return home, the question arises: were they prepared to spend such an extended period in space? The answer is yes; both the astronauts and the ISS are equipped to handle such situations.
Astronauts and Illness
One of the significant concerns surrounding astronauts’ health in space pertains to personal care and hygiene while in a state of absolute weightlessness, where day and night bear little resemblance to our earthly experiences. It’s essential to note that astronauts don’t worry about germs in space, as the only germs they encounter are those they bring with them from Earth. According to NASA, despite this, personal hygiene is still crucial. “Zero-gravity causes body fluids to shift,” which can make astronauts feel like they’re living with a constant cold. To combat this and other effects of weightlessness, such as bone deterioration or muscle atrophy, astronauts must exercise daily, typically spending about two hours on the treadmill or stationary bike. Without this regimen, they wouldn’t be able to stand or walk upon returning to Earth after weeks or months of floating in space.
Showering and Hygiene in Space
The space crew showers daily, albeit differently than we do on Earth. Astronauts use sponges and wet wipes to clean their bodies and dry shampoo for their hair. Water and soap suds adhere to the skin in zero-gravity conditions, and excess water is sucked into a wastewater tank installed on the ISS. As for brushing teeth, it’s also a daily routine but with some adjustments. Astronauts can use the same toothpaste as on Earth but often use less and swallow it instead of spitting it out. Others prefer not to swallow and spit into the wipes used for daily cleaning.
Eating in Space
Food on the ISS is basic and plays a fundamental role in astronauts’ health and performance, not just during missions but also before and after. The importance of nutrition in space is so critical that there’s a specialized food laboratory at NASA dedicated to developing nutritious and appealing food for astronauts. The menu includes a wide range of options, and astronauts themselves select their meals, ensuring they get 100% of the daily value of necessary vitamins and minerals. There are different types of food in space:
- Rehydratable foods: These help maintain the weight of the spacecraft, especially during launch, by removing water from food. Water is added back before consumption through a rehydration process that works for both food and beverages. Examples include soups, broths, creams, stews, and even scrambled eggs or cereals with powdered milk.
- Thermally stabilized products: These are processed to destroy harmful microorganisms or enzymes. They’re transported in individual portions in aluminum cans, plastic glasses, or flexible bags. Most fruits and fish, like tuna or salmon, are thermally stabilized in cans with easy-open lids.
- Irradiated foods: This technique eliminates harmful microorganisms. These products are similar to thermally stabilized ones, ready to eat after heating, and are commonly used for meat products.
- Natural foods: Items like cookies or dried fruits are packaged and consumed naturally without needing further preparation.
All the beverages astronauts drink come in powdered form, including coffee, tea, cider, or juices. Beverage containers are made of aluminum with an adapter to add water from a dispenser and hydrate it before drinking with a straw. Meal preparation is straightforward and quick, taking about five minutes to prepare a complete meal for four crew members. Meals are prepared in a kitchen equipped with a water dispenser for rehydration and an oven to heat food. Generally, crew members have an eight-day menu cycle, repeating menus every eight days. Food containers are disposable, and utensils and trays are cleaned with wet disinfectant wipes, eliminating the need for a dishwasher or sink.
Using the Bathroom in Space
One of the most intriguing aspects of daily life in space for the average person is how astronauts use the bathroom. The first American in space, Alan Shepard, had to urinate during his mission, which lasted longer than expected. With no other options, mission control determined it was safe for him to urinate in his spacesuit. Nowadays, this isn’t necessary; the ISS has had a toilet since 2000, although it was more complicated for women as they had to urinate standing up.
In 2018, NASA invested $23 million in creating a new toilet for astronauts on the ISS to avoid problems related to zero-gravity. The University of Buffalo describes it as a vacuum toilet consisting of two parts: a hose with a funnel for urination and a small elevated seat for defecation. The bathroom is filled with handholds to grasp and straps to keep oneself seated. For urination, astronauts can sit or stand, securing the funnel and hose against the skin to prevent leakage. For defecation, they sit on the seat, and once the toilet lid is lifted, it begins to suction to prevent anything from floating out and to control odors. Solid waste is sucked into garbage bags that are then placed in hermetic containers.
Sleeping in Space
Astronauts sleep, or attempt to, as they would on Earth, but with significant differences. Sleeping patterns can be affected by factors like anxiety or the noise from the ISS itself. Each astronaut sleeps with an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise during rest, and they must also buckle themselves in to prevent floating into objects or spaces within the station. They typically use sleep sacks that are attached to a seat or the wall. One of the significant challenges astronauts face is the disruption of their circadian rhythms; on Earth, we’re accustomed to a 24-hour day-night cycle, but on the ISS, they can experience 16 sunrises a day. Therefore, sleep hours must be programmed, and astronauts adhere to a strict schedule, which they start adjusting to even before their missions begin. The station also adjusts its lighting to Earth’s time schedule. It’s common for astronauts to use over-the-counter substances like melatonin or caffeine to help regulate their sleep.
