How Scientists Made Life Possible in Space

Orbiting 400 kilometers above the Earth, the International Space Station (ISS) is a marvel of science, engineering, and international cooperation. At first glance, it might seem small from the ground, but in reality, it’s about the size of a football field and weighs over 420,000 kilograms—roughly equivalent to 300 cars.

But how did such a massive structure end up in space? And more importantly, what happens inside it?

The ISS is the most expensive human-made object ever constructed, with a staggering cost of $150 billion (roughly ₹1.5 lakh crore). Built through a joint collaboration between NASA, Roscosmos, and other space agencies, its primary purpose is scientific research. But for the six astronauts who live aboard, it is also home.

Life Inside the ISS

Most of the station’s structure is covered in solar panels that power the entire facility. The living quarters, however, are about the size of a six-bedroom house. The ISS travels around the Earth at a speed of 27,000 km/h, completing 16 full orbits every 24 hours. Despite this tremendous speed, it has remained steady in its orbit for over two decades.

The primary goal of the astronauts aboard the ISS is to conduct experiments—many of which are impossible to perform on Earth due to gravity. The ISS houses advanced space laboratories from the USA and Russia, where scientists observe how different materials, medicines, and biological systems behave in microgravity.

Beyond experiments, the ISS also helps in monitoring Earth for natural disasters, and even in preparing for future human habitation on Mars or other planets.

How Do Astronauts Live Without Gravity?

Astronauts live in interconnected modules where they eat, sleep, work, exercise, and even enjoy some entertainment. However, the absence of gravity makes even the simplest tasks—like drinking water or brushing teeth—quite complex.

Water droplets float, food can’t be poured, and there's no “up” or “down.” To move, astronauts push themselves off walls or grab handles, gliding through the modules like Superman.

They consume ready-to-eat space meals—not freshly cooked meals. NASA food scientists design these meals to be lightweight, long-lasting (up to 7 months), and packed with nutrients. Meals are freeze-dried to remove 97% of the water content and vacuum-sealed. Just delivering 1 kg of food to the ISS costs nearly $10,000 (over ₹7.6 lakh).

Hygiene in Space

There’s no running water for showers. Astronauts use special waterless shampoo and soap, wiping themselves clean with towels. Toilets are specially designed to handle waste in zero gravity, using suction systems to collect and recycle.

Even the water astronauts drink is recycled—from sweat, breath moisture, and even urine. Thanks to advanced filtration systems, nearly 99% of the water is reused, making water consumption on the ISS extremely efficient.

Breathing in Space

Each astronaut needs about 840 grams of oxygen daily. Instead of transporting thousands of kilograms of oxygen from Earth, the ISS uses electrolysis technology to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from its solar panels. This process ensures a sustainable oxygen supply for the crew.

Working in Extreme Temperatures

Space is an unforgiving place. In direct sunlight, temperatures can rise above 250°C (482°F), while in the shadows, they can plummet below -250°C (-418°F). So whenever astronauts venture outside the ISS for maintenance, they must wear specially designed spacesuits that provide oxygen, pressure, and protection from extreme temperatures.

Sleeping and Exercise

Each astronaut has a small private sleeping pod where they zip themselves into sleeping bags. Since the body doesn’t naturally feel the need to “lie down” in microgravity, these pods help them feel secure and protected while they sleep.

To maintain muscle and bone health, astronauts exercise at least two hours a day using resistance machines designed for zero gravity.

Power and Technology

The ISS generates 120 kilowatts of electricity daily through its massive solar panels—enough to power 40 homes. It contains over 50 onboard computers and systems for navigation, communication, and environmental control.

There are two bathrooms, sleeping quarters for six, and a small gym inside the ISS.

Fascinating Facts About the ISS

• It took 13 years to complete the ISS, beginning in 1998 and finalizing its structure in 2011.
• Over 234 astronauts from 18 different countries have visited the ISS.
• In emergencies, a spacecraft from Earth can reach the ISS within just 4 hours.
• Since sound cannot travel in the vacuum of space, astronauts can’t hear each other during spacewalks—radio communication is essential.
• The ISS is the second-brightest object in the night sky after the Moon. You can spot it with the naked eye—no telescope needed.
• Astronauts on board see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day due to the ISS’s high-speed orbit.

The International Space Station represents human curiosity, cooperation, and innovation at its highest level. From creating oxygen out of water to recycling sweat into drinking water, life on the ISS is a living example of survival, science, and sustainability beyond Earth.

Stay tuned for more stories from the edge of space.