What Do Astronauts Do

Astronauts are people who travel to outer space. They live and work on the International Space Station high above Earth. Astronauts do science experiments that can only be done in space. It is one of the most exciting and challenging jobs in the world.

Life in Space

In space, everything floats because there is very little gravity. Astronauts have to strap themselves in to sleep. They eat food from special pouches. Drinking water floats in bubbly blobs! Astronauts exercise for two hours every day to keep their muscles strong.

Becoming an Astronaut

Becoming an astronaut is very hard. You need to study science or engineering in college. Then you train for years to prepare for space. Astronauts practice in swimming pools that feel like zero gravity. They also learn to speak Russian because they work with people from many countries.

Fun Facts

• Astronauts grow about 2 inches taller in space because gravity is not pushing down on their spine.
• The International Space Station travels at 17,500 miles per hour.
• Astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every single day because they orbit Earth so fast.

Did You Know?

NASA gets thousands of applications every time they look for new astronauts, but they only pick about 10 to 12 people. It is harder to become an astronaut than to get into any college!