Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, face an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS) until 2025, far beyond their originally planned eight-day mission. The ISS presents unique challenges, making long-term habitation demanding.
Astronauts sleep in small sleep stations located in the Harmony Module, each about the size of a phone booth. These stations are designed to provide privacy and darkness but are challenging due to the lack of gravity. Astronauts cocoon themselves in sleeping bags tethered to the station's interior.
The ISS features specialized toilets, jokingly called 'orbital outhouses,' located in the Tranquility Module. The toilets use fan-powered suction to manage waste. Urine is collected using a hose with a funnel, while solid waste is disposed of in a small hole with a lid, requiring careful practice to avoid messes.
Daily hygiene tasks on the ISS are complicated by the absence of gravity. Showers are not feasible, so astronauts clean themselves with washcloths and use rinseless shampoo for their hair. Tooth brushing involves either swallowing the toothpaste or spitting it into a paper towel to prevent water from floating in the station.
Credit : NASA
Astronauts on the ISS consume dehydrated meals that are rehydrated with water and heated in a microwave. The crew must consume a minimum of 2,500 calories daily, but alcohol is strictly prohibited on missions. Although crew members do not typically eat together, they often share a group meal on Sundays.
Credit : NASA
NASA requires astronauts to engage in at least two hours of daily exercise to counteract muscle atrophy caused by the lack of gravity. The ISS is equipped with an exercise bike, treadmill, and weight-lifting system in the Tranquility Module, allowing astronauts to maintain their physical health during their extended stay.
Credit : NASA
The ISS environment can be loud, with life support systems running constantly, and the station is exposed to frequent sunrises. To ensure restful sleep, astronauts are provided with eye masks and earplugs. NASA's sleeping pods are also designed with proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of CO2 around an astronaut's head.
Credit : NASA
Astronauts aboard the ISS follow a demanding schedule, working 16-hour days with breaks for meals. Their work involves routine maintenance, scientific experiments, and, occasionally, spacewalks. The extended hours and intense workload are balanced by opportunities for rest and relaxation.
Credit : NASA
During their extended mission, Williams and Wilmore have participated in various activities to stay positive, including weightless, Olympics-inspired workouts. These activities are part of the astronauts' efforts to maintain physical and mental health while coping with the uncertainty of their prolonged stay on the ISS.