Chapter 1: Understanding Astronauts' Leisure Time

Recently, we received an intriguing question: How do astronauts occupy their free moments while aboard the International Space Station (ISS), especially considering they work for extended periods? It may seem unbelievable that they are always engaged in tasks outside of eating and sleeping. Space agencies strive to optimize their missions for scientific exploration, yet it’s important to recognize that astronauts are human and require downtime. This article will explore how astronauts and cosmonauts utilize their leisure time.

A common theme among astronauts returning from space is the joy of gazing at Earth through the station's windows. The view of our planet from orbit is breathtaking and never ceases to amaze. The ISS completes a full orbit around Earth approximately every ninety minutes, ensuring there's always something new to admire.

Many may remember a public service announcement from the 90s showcasing cosmonauts aboard the "Mir" space station engaging in a word game based on the names of the locations they passed over. Indeed, it’s a favorite pastime for astronauts to identify the terrain beneath them.

Photography is another cherished hobby among astronauts. Their passion for capturing images of Earth from above has provided us with stunning visuals.

Maintaining connections with family and friends back on Earth is also a significant aspect of their free time. The ISS includes equipment for amateur radio communications, allowing some astronauts to engage with ham radio operators around the globe.

Board games, particularly chess, are quite popular among crew members. They often play against each other or against friends on Earth, utilizing email or amateur radio to communicate their moves.

Some ISS residents also express their creativity through music, playing various instruments during their downtime.

To maintain their physical health, astronauts incorporate regular exercise into their daily schedules.

Reading is another favored way to unwind.

They also enjoy watching films on large screens or their laptops, and some, like American astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, have even played video games, including Minecraft. Scott Kelly has been known to play Space Invaders using a HoloLens virtual reality headset.

Additionally, astronauts have come up with unique ways to spend their free time. For instance, during the Football World Cup, they created their own version of zero-gravity football.

While it may sound humorous, astronauts occasionally joke about defending against fictional threats, such as an abominable snowman, but these tales are more for laughs than reality.

In truth, astronauts do not spend every waking moment working; they, like everyone else, enjoy entertainment, sports, relaxation, and laughter. If you're interested in more articles about space, feel free to clap! Subscribe to our channel and submit your questions for future articles. If you appreciate our work, consider supporting us by becoming a member on Medium for just $5 a month, which will help us create even more engaging content.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Space

The first video titled "ISS for Kids! (Part 7) 'How Do Astronauts Relax?'" offers a child-friendly exploration of how astronauts unwind while in space.

The second video, "#AskNASA: How Do Astronauts Use the Potty in Space?" provides an informative look at the practical aspects of living aboard the ISS.