The International Space Station is a research lab in orbit where astronauts from 16 nations—including the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, Brazil and 11 European countries—live and work together. The ISS has marked milestones over the years, and last month the station celebrated a ten-year anniversary, an event celebrated here by sharing what life is like aboard a space station.
A DAY IN THE LIFE A typical day aboard the ISS begins around 6 a.m. with a routine inspection of life-support systems, power, thermal controls and navigation. After a quick breakfast, the crew reviews the day’s science tasks and safety checks, then connects with mission control for a status update. At about 8:10 a.m., the group aligns on duties for the day, making sure experiments, maintenance and data collection are synchronized. Lunch arrives around 1:05 p.m., followed by continued work that may extend into the evening. A daily crew conference often marks the close of the official work block, then the schedule winds down toward a planned sleep time near 9:30 p.m., a cycle that helps crews stay productive while their orbit carries them above different parts of Earth.
FLOATING AROUND In microgravity the first noticeable feature is the absence of a feeling of weight. The station exists in a persistent microgravity state, which makes everything feel light and buoyant. Crew members move by pushing off handrails, gliding from one module to another, and sometimes resting with Velcro or foot restraints. The experience reshapes how routine tasks are done, from orientation in a new cabin layout to carrying out experiments that require precise positioning. It can feel like floating through a modern lab whose walls are part of the mission itself.
EXTRA SPICY Food in space follows unique rules because the environment changes senses and routines. Meals are prepared by the crew in collaboration with a dietitian before launch, then frozen, canned or refrigerated to match limited storage. The taste sensation is often dulled in space, so chefs lean toward stronger flavors and spicier options to keep meals enjoyable. To keep order and identity, each astronaut is assigned a color that matches stickers on meals. Food packages are secured with Velcro on trays, and stray crumbs or droplets must be captured so nothing damages sensitive equipment or contaminates experiments.
WORK IT Exercise is essential to counteract the effects of weightlessness. The ISS houses two treadmills, a stationary bike and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, used to perform resistance training. Even with this gear available, maintaining muscle and bone health is a challenge in microgravity, so crews follow structured routines that blend cardio with resistance to preserve fitness over long missions.
WATER WORKS Hygiene routines rely on careful water management. In microgravity, water clings to skin rather than streaming away, and with a tight water budget aboard the station, sponge baths and non-rinse shampoos are common. Modern life-support systems recycle wastewater into clean water, enabling repeated use of a precious resource and reducing the need for frequent resupply missions.
GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT Sleep is a precious resource aboard the ISS. Each crew member has a personal sleeping station that includes a bed, a small desk and a night light. Laptops offer a handy way to stay connected, listen to music, or catch up on personal tasks. Sleeping while floating is possible, but not ideal because it can put strain on equipment. Instead, crew members settle into their dedicated sleeping spots and drift off as the station completes another lap around Earth.