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Life in Zero Gravity: What Living on the ISS Is Really Like

 

🌌 Life in Zero Gravity: What Living on the ISS Is Really Like



🚀 Imagine Waking Up Without Gravity... 
Picture this: You float out of your sleeping bag, gently pushing off the wall of a metal capsule 400 kilometers above Earth. There’s no up or down. Your toothbrush is velcroed to the wall. Your breakfast? Floating too—sealed in a pouch, ready to be sucked down like a juice box.

Welcome to life in zero gravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—one of the most extreme yet fascinating environments where humans live, work, and even play.

At Keplara, we explore how space is becoming the next frontier for curious minds and future pioneers. If you're a student dreaming of joining this cosmic journey, learning how astronauts adapt to microgravity is your first step toward the stars.

🛰️ What Is Zero Gravity?

The Science Behind Weightlessness

Despite what it sounds like, astronauts aren't in a place where there's no gravity. In fact, the gravity at the ISS's orbit is about 90% as strong as it is on Earth. So why do astronauts float?

"They’re in Constant Free Fall"
  1. The ISS orbits Earth at ~28,000 km/h, creating a state of microgravity—also known as “zero gravity”.
  2. Everything on board is falling at the same rate, making it appear as though there's no gravity.

🛏️ Daily Life on the ISS

 How Astronauts Live, Sleep, and Eat
Living in space isn’t just science fiction anymore. Let’s break down what daily life looks like on the ISS:

💤 Sleeping 

  1. No beds! Astronauts sleep in vertical sleeping bags strapped to the wall.
  2. They choose any wall, ceiling, or floor—they’re all the same in zero gravity!
  3. To avoid disorientation, some keep a photo of family or a small light nearby.


🍴 Eating

  1. All food is dehydrated or vacuum-sealed.
  2. There’s no refrigerator or oven. Astronauts reheat meals using hot water or warm-air ovens.
  3. Favorite astronaut foods include: shrimp cocktail (spicy!), tortillas (instead of crumbly bread), and rehydrated beef stew.


“It’s like camping—every day—for six months!” — Chris Hadfield, former Canadian astronaut

🧼 Hygiene

  1. No showers—astronauts use rinse-free wipes, no-rinse shampoo, and airflow toilets with thigh straps.
  2. Everything floats, so even toothpaste must be swallowed to avoid cleanup problems.

💪 How Microgravity Affects the Human Body

 

The Challenges of Floating

Life without gravity isn’t all fun and flips astronauts face real physical challenges:

  1. Muscle Loss: With no gravity to resist movement, muscles weaken over time. Astronauts must exercise for 2+ hours daily to stay fit.
  2. Bone Density Reduction: Bones lose calcium, leading to a 1–2% density loss per month, increasing the risk of fractures.
  3. Fluid Shift: Body fluids move upward, causing puffy faces and stuffy noses—often called the “moon-face effect.”

🎮 Fun in Space: Yes, There’s Play Time!


Despite the challenges, astronauts do have fun aboard the ISS!

  1. 🏀 Space sports: They play microgravity versions of soccer or tag.
  2. 🎸 Music: Chris Hadfield famously recorded a cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" onboard.
  3. 🎥 Vlogging: Many astronauts share daily updates on YouTube and social media.
  4. “Floating is the most fun you can have without breaking the law.” — Scott Kelly, NASA astronaut


📣 Call to Action: Take One Step Closer to the Stars

If you’re a student with stars in your eyes:

  1. Watch live ISS videos on NASA Live
  2. Join a space club in your school or college
  3. Try student competitions like ISRO’s YUVIKA, NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges, or ESA's CanSat
  4. Explore platforms like Keplara that help connect students with space mentors and hands-on projects (yes, even from India!)

🌍 Conclusion: What If Gravity Was Optional? 

Living in zero gravity is more than just floating—it’s a daily lesson in human adaptability, creativity, and endurance.

At Keplara, we believe the future of space belongs to those who ask bold questions and seek even bolder answers.

So here’s one for you:
If you had the chance to live on the ISS, what would you take with you—and why?
Share your answer in the comments or on your own Keplara-inspired space blog. The countdown to your future in space starts now. 🚀



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