Life on the International Space Station (ISS)

Study Notes

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) experience multiple sunrises and sunsets in a 24-hour period due to orbiting Earth at 17,100 mph.
A typical astronaut's schedule is meticulously planned, with a regular day running from 6 am to 9:30 pm.
Hygiene routines are simplified in space, including using washcloths and special shampoo, and toothbrushing with the expectation of swallowing water.
Astronauts wear casual clothing and change infrequently due to limited storage space.
Toileting requires specialized equipment, including urinal funnels that generate fresh oxygen and a separate system for solid waste management.
Astronauts' diets are carefully monitored and include dehydrated meals and limited fresh food supplies.
Maintenance tasks on Parts of the ISS include cleaning filters, disinfecting surfaces, updating software, and even taking out the trash.
Maintenance work can require spacewalks for exterior repairs, which necessitate extensive preparation and safety measures.
The ISS interior is equipped with handrails and velcro strips to help astronauts navigate in a weightless environment.
Scientific experiments are a primary focus for the ISS crew, involving various labs and a wide range of research topics, from biological studies to materials science.
Astronauts must maintain their physical health through regular exercise to counteract the detrimental effects of weightlessness on muscles and bones.- Astronauts experience a condition called 'space snuffles' where bodily fluids accumulate in the head due to lack of gravity.
To maintain health and clarity, astronauts use exercise equipment: an exercise bike without a seat, a treadmill with bungee straps and a vibration isolation system, and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) which mimics resistance up to 600 pounds.
Astronauts have access to wifi and call home, but sleeping is challenging due to the ISS's constant humming noise and lack of airflow. Sleeping bags have arm holes for typing or reading. Astronauts may dream in zero gravity and still snore.
Meals on the ISS can taste bland due to the lack of aroma and blood surges to the sinuses due to space snuffles.
The ISS has a cupola, a beautiful vantage point for astronauts to relax and watch the world go by.

Description

Explore the unique lifestyle of astronauts aboard the International Space Station, from their daily routines and hygiene practices to the challenges of maintenance, scientific experiments, and health management in a weightless environment.