What a day on the International Space Station is like

With no defined days or nights, just a succession of sunrises and sunsets every 90 minutes, astronauts follow a strict schedule. Despite the challenges, they can enjoy spectacular views of Earth, a floating sphere in space. According to sources from the International Space Station (ISS), this is what an astronaut's workday looks like.

7:00 a.m.

Waking up in microgravity

They wake up inside their sleeping bags, which are strapped to the module wall. In space, there's no up or down, so they sleep in any orientation. Today, they'll experiment with plants in microgravity and maintain the water recycling system.

7:30 a.m.

Hygiene

They don't have a shower, so they clean themselves with wet wipes. The water doesn't fall in microgravity, so they can't let it run. They use edible toothpaste to brush their teeth. Going to the bathroom is quite an experience. They use a small device with a suction system to prevent waste from floating, and everything is compacted into special containers or recycled.

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast in orbit

For breakfast, they eat a bag of dehydrated oatmeal with fruit and coffee (reconstituted with hot water). The food comes in bags and is eaten with long-handled spoons. They can't let the springs float, as they could clog the air filters or damage the circuits. While they eat breakfast, they connect with Mission Control in Houston for the morning briefing. They explain the day's priorities and review the protocols.

9:00 a.m.

Scientific experiments

Today they're working on a study of how plant roots grow in the absence of gravity. Without the force of gravity to guide them, they spread out in all directions. This may help us understand how we might grow food on long journeys to Mars. They're also taking body samples for a study of bone loss. In microgravity, the body loses bone density and muscle mass, so they must exercise every day to prevent this.

12:00 p.m.

Physical training

In space, muscles don't work as hard because they don't have to support the body's weight. That's why they exercise for two hours a day: 30 minutes on the treadmill (with harnesses to prevent floating away), 30 minutes on a stationary bike, and resistance exercises with special machines that simulate weights.

1:30 p.m.

Space lunch

Today's menu includes chicken with rice and curry sauce, all vacuum-packed and rehydrated. For dessert, dried peaches.

3:00 PM

Maintenance and technical tasks

It's time to check the ISS's ventilation system. Without gravity, air doesn't circulate naturally, and it's necessary to ensure the filters are working properly. They're also checking the oxygen generation system, which transforms water into oxygen through electrolysis. Windows can't be opened here.

7:00 p.m.

Free time and connection with home

For dinner, there's vegetable soup and space cookies (which don't make springs). Then, we connect with Houston to discuss the day and prepare for the next day's tasks.

9:00 PM

Rest

They are placed inside the sleeping bag and tied loosely so they do not float.