Astronauts reveal what life is like on ISS – and how they deal with 'space smell'

Astronauts are individuals who venture into space to conduct research and exploration. Recently, two American astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with the expectation of spending eight days there. The ISS is a massive space station that resembles a house in the sky, located approximately 400 kilometers above Earth. However, their return was postponed due to safety concerns regarding their spacecraft. Currently, they are living in a space that is comparable in size to a six-bedroom house, sharing it with nine other astronauts. Suni describes the ISS as her 'happy place,' while Butch expresses his gratitude for being there. But what is it truly like to live in space? How do they manage their relationships with crewmates? How do they exercise and maintain personal hygiene? What do they eat, and what is this peculiar 'space smell'? Three former astronauts shared their insights with BBC News. The astronauts' daily routines are meticulously planned, with every minute accounted for by mission control on Earth. Their day begins early, around 6:30 AM GMT, when they wake up in their compact sleeping quarters, which are similar to phone booths. Nicole Stott, an astronaut who spent 104 days in space, remarks, 'It has the best sleeping bag in the world. ' Each sleeping area is equipped with laptops, allowing astronauts to stay connected with their families and store personal items like photographs or books. After waking up, they typically use the bathroom, which features a unique suction system. Under normal circumstances, sweat and urine are recycled into drinking water, but due to a malfunction on the ISS, the crew currently has to store urine instead. Following their morning routine, the astronauts dive into their work. Most of their time is dedicated to maintenance tasks or scientific experiments. The ISS is quite large, comparable to Buckingham Palace or an American football field. Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, explains, 'Inside it's like many buses all bolted together. In half a day, you might never see another person. ' The ISS houses six laboratories for experiments, and astronauts wear monitors to track their health. Nicole describes their role as 'guinea pigs,' as scientists study how space affects their bodies. They strive to complete their tasks more quickly than mission control anticipates. Chris adds, 'Your game is to find five free minutes. ' He enjoys floating to the window to observe the universe or engaging in creative activities like writing music and taking photographs. Some fortunate astronauts are selected to perform spacewalks, which involve leaving the ISS and entering the vacuum of space. Chris Hadfield has completed two spacewalks, describing the experience as 'stimulating and otherworldly. ' However, these excursions can introduce a unique phenomenon known as 'space smell. ' Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, explains that while Earth is filled with various scents, space has a singular smell that astronauts quickly adapt to. She states, 'We get used to it quickly. ' Objects that venture outside, such as suits or scientific equipment, can develop a metallic odor due to the intense radiation in space. Upon returning to Earth, Helen found herself appreciating the sensory experiences of nature much more. She reflects, 'There’s no weather in space - no rain on your face or wind in your hair. ' In addition to their work, astronauts on extended missions must dedicate two hours each day to exercise to maintain their health. They utilize specialized machines to counteract the effects of living in a zero-gravity environment, which can lead to decreased bone density. Nicole explains that they have a machine for squats and deadlifts, along with treadmills that require them to strap in to prevent floating away, and a cycle machine for endurance training. After all this exercise, they face the challenge of washing their clothes. Nicole shares, 'We don't have laundry - just water that forms into blobs and some soapy stuff. ' Without gravity, sweat does not fall off their bodies, resulting in excessive perspiration. She describes the sensation, saying, 'I would feel the sweat growing on my scalp. ' Their clothing becomes so dirty that they dispose of it in a cargo vehicle that burns up upon re-entry into the atmosphere. However, their daily clothes remain clean because they float on their bodies. Nicole mentions, 'I had one pair of trousers for three months. ' Food can also pose challenges. When someone opens a can of food, small balls of grease can escape, and everyone must dodge them. Occasionally, other spacecraft arrive to deliver new supplies, food, and clothing. Chris describes the experience of seeing the ISS from space as 'amazing. ' After a long day of work, it is time for dinner. Most of their meals come in packets, and they often share their food. Nicole's favorite dishes include Japanese curry, while families send treats like chocolate-covered ginger. Astronauts are selected for their ability to work well in teams, which helps minimize conflicts. They support one another and address any issues that arise. At the end of the day, they return to their sleeping quarters in a noisy environment, as fans run continuously to circulate air and remove carbon dioxide. They can sleep for eight hours, but many astronauts find themselves gazing out the window at Earth. Nicole reflects, 'I felt very insignificant in that vastness of space. ' Observing Earth from such a height prompts them to consider the interconnectedness of humanity. All three astronauts express a desire to return to the ISS if given the opportunity.