Astronaut Antics on the ISS

1/4/24 JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa works on carbon dioxide removal hardware inside the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module. Image credit: NASA

Did you know that, when astronauts travel to the International Space Station, they often stay for six to twelve months?  What do they do with all that time in space?  Here are some things that astronauts do while on the ISS.

1. Keep Learning
Astronauts are all scientists.  A big chunk of their time in space is spent doing scientific experiments.  Most of these experiments are designed by other people, so it's very important that the astronauts follow the right steps and share their results.  Research on the ISS will help scientists as they reach further into space.

2. Exercise
It's important for astronauts to keep their muscles strong in space.  Being in a weightless environment for a long time can cause muscles to atrophy if astronauts aren't strict with their exercise regimens.  One way that astronauts exercise on the ISS is by running on a treadmill.  The treadmill has bungee cords to hold the astronauts down so they don't float away!

3. Talk to Their Families
Do you have friends or family that live far away?  You probably stay in touch with them the same way that astronauts do!  Astronauts on the ISS talk to their families through email and video calls.

4. Stay Clean
How do you stay clean in space if everything--including water--floats?  Astronauts wash their hair with a rinseless shampoo that was developed for hospital patients that are unable to shower.

5. Relax and have fun!
It's important for everyone to take time for hobbies.  The astronauts on the ISS have all kinds of hobbies, from playing the keyboard to reading to...playing basketball?  Check out this video to see how astronauts relax in space.

To read and watch more about how astronauts live on the ISS check out this article!

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