Emily Flores
Space agencies definitely don’t advertise the less desirable aspects of their work in their recruitment brochures. Beyond the inspirational launches and stunning Earth photos lies a reality that’s equal parts amazing and disgusting. Astronauts become masters of improvisation, dealing with equipment quirks and biological necessities that defy every Earth-based instinct. Here are the unfiltered truths about surviving in the cosmic void.
Showers Don’t Exist In Space
Space hygiene requires creative solutions since traditional showers aren’t possible on the International Space Station. Water droplets would simply float away in microgravity. Instead, astronauts rely on rinseless wipes, no-rinse shampoo, and occasional wipe-downs with damp towels to maintain cleanliness during their missions.
Astronauts Sleep Strapped To The Wall
Have you ever wondered how astronauts sleep in zero gravity? They zip themselves into sleeping bags attached to the walls of small sleeping compartments. Without gravity’s pull, they can rest sideways, upside down, or completely vertical—as long as they’re safely strapped in place.
Food Comes In Pouches And Packets
While we grab food from plates and bowls, astronauts eat everything from sealed containers. Regular bread creates floating crumb chaos, so tortillas (soft, round flatbreads) became the smart alternative. Even something as simple as orange juice arrives as powder, requiring water before it becomes an actual beverage.
Cutting Hair Requires A Vacuum
When an astronaut’s hair gets too long, it’s time for some creative grooming. The crew breaks out electric clippers specially connected to vacuum systems, ensuring no hair floats away to clog air filters. Crew members have learned to be each other’s stylists during missions.
Exercise Is Mandatory For Two Hours A Day
Life in space demands dedication to fitness. Astronauts must exercise for two hours each day using specialized equipment on the space station. Therefore, a treadmill with safety harnesses and a stationary bike help prevent the rapid muscle and bone loss caused by zero gravity.
Water Comes From Recycled Sweat And Urine
Space transportation costs make water shipments extremely expensive, so astronauts rely on recycling instead. Their sophisticated purification equipment processes all bodily fluids and cabin moisture, converting them into clean drinking water. The technology works so well that astronauts can’t taste any difference from Earth’s bottled water.
Astronauts See Multiple Sunrises Every Day
Humans aboard the ISS get treated to a remarkable light show. As the station circles Earth every 90 minutes, crew members witness 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. Many share breathtaking photos of these moments with Earth’s population.
Toilets Use Airflow Instead Of Water
Space toilets work completely differently from Earth’s versions. Since gravity can’t pull waste downward, they use powerful airflow rather than water. These units feature smaller seats and handholds for stability. Because the technique differs so much, astronauts train extensively before flight.
Clothes Are Worn Until They Fall Apart
Orbital stations lack laundry facilities, which means astronauts must wear their clothes until they’re completely worn out. The special fabrics, like Merino wool and polyester, help minimize odor and discomfort. Many crew members wear the same shirt for several days before storing worn-out garments as trash in cargo vehicles.
Astronauts Grow Taller In Orbit
Astronauts actually get taller in space—up to two whole inches. This happens because gravity stops compressing their spine, letting the discs between vertebrae expand naturally. Mission controllers have to adjust spacecraft seats to accommodate this growth. Once astronauts return to Earth, gravity squishes them back down to normal height.