what do astronauts do on the rocket

What do astronauts do on the International Space Station (ISS)?

 Astronauts and cosmonauts on the space station stay busy. There’s lots of work to operate

the many science experiments on board. The crew also has to make sure that the station is in top shape, so they clean, check equipment, maintain and repair or replace broken equipment. Crew members also must exercise two hours each day to stay fit and keep their bones and muscles strong.

  How fast and how high do astronauts go?

 The space station travels through space at 17,500 miles per hour at an altitude of about 220 miles. They orbit the Earth about once every 90 minutes. During the orbit of the Earth, they are in daylight for about 45 minutes and darkness for about 45 minutes. That means the sun will rise and set 16 times a day.

 How long are the missions?

 The ISS missions, called expeditions, usually last about six months. There are three to six crew members on board at all times. Professional astronaut crews come from the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada and Europe. NASA astronaut Mike Lopez-Alegria has flown the longest U.S. space station mission to date, at 215 days. Valeri Polyakov, a Russian cosmonaut, spent 437 days in space during one mission.

What kind of food do astronauts eat?

 astronauts bring along several different types of food when we fly in space. Since we don’t have a freezer, refrigerator, stove or microwave, most of the food has already been cooked, then freeze dried and vacuum packed or it is thermally

stabilized much like camping food. These packages of freeze dried food can be reconstituted by adding water and then warmed up in a small warming oven.

 How do astronauts  go to the bathroom in space?

The space potty is a little different than the Earth potty. First of all, to keep from floating away,astronauts must use foot-loops or straps while ‘sitting’ on the seat. This holds you on to the seat, sort of like a seat belt. Secondly, the space potty uses suction, not water, to ‘flush.’

 What do astronauts do if they get sick in the space

Astronauts carry first aid kits and some special medical equipment into space with us. Astronauts  also are trained to take care of most minor and some major medical problems. There is not a doctor on most flights, but all crew members are trained in basic first aid and CPR.