Space Day

Space Day: The daily routine of astronauts outside of time

The universe is an unknown and exciting realm into which astronaut explorers bravely venture to expand our knowledge of the world around us. However, life in space is not as simple as it might seem. Astronauts face many physiological and psychological challenges, including adapting to the absence of gravity and the altered time cycle. One of the most amazing aspects of this adaptation is the so-called "cosmic day".

Unlike the usual 24-hour cycle on Earth, the cosmic day can vary significantly in length. During spaceflight, where astronauts are in zero gravity and surrounded by the endless darkness of space, using Earth's conventional timekeeping system becomes impractical. Instead, on board spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS), a specific life cycle is implemented that corresponds to the conditions of space flight.

The cosmic day depends on the orbit in which the spacecraft is located. For example, on the ISS, which is in low Earth orbit, a space day is about 90 minutes. This means that in one day, astronauts experience 16 sunrises and sunsets. Such a short cycle creates a kind of time in which astronauts work and rest.

Adaptation of astronauts to the space day is a complex and important process. Each spacecraft has its own schedule, which regulates time for work, sleep, rest and diet. Astronauts strictly follow this schedule to maintain normal biological and psychological rhythms.

One of the key aspects of the cosmic day is synchronization with external events such as sunrise and sunset. Even though astronauts do not experience direct exposure to sunlight in space, these events are important for psychological well-being. Staying in touch with the light-dark cycle helps astronauts maintain stability and stability in space.

Another important aspect of the cosmic day is the establishment of work and rest periods. Astronauts spend part of their time performing scientific experiments, maintaining equipment on board the spacecraft, and maintaining its performance. They also engage in physical training to reduce weight loss and maintain their fitness in zero gravity conditions. However, astronauts also need rest and sleep to regain their strength and prevent muscle and bone degeneration.

Managing the space day schedule is the task of the crew and mission control on Earth. They take into account factors such as scientific experiments, operating procedures, communication with Earth and the personal needs of each astronaut. This requires careful planning and coordination to ensure the crew operates efficiently and achieves mission objectives.

The space day represents a unique aspect of space life that requires adaptation and discipline from astronauts. They must adapt to changing times and overcome physiological and psychological challenges to successfully complete their tasks. The space day is another reminder that space is not only about exploring new frontiers, but also about constant learning and adaptation to unusual conditions.

In conclusion, the cosmic day represents a special cycle of the daily routine of astronauts during space flight. They differ from the usual 24-hour cycle and are determined by the orbit of the spacecraft. Adapting astronauts to the daily routine of space requires discipline, planning and adherence to schedules to ensure smooth functioning and successful mission completion. The cosmic day is an important aspect of space life and reminds us of the complexities and uniqueness of exploring the Universe.



Cosmic day A cosmic day is the length of time during which astronauts are on board a space station or on a space mission. They can last from 90 to 200 Earth days and depend on the duration of the flight, the technical capabilities of the station, the daily routine and other information. In general, they are focused on maintaining the normal functioning of the human body in conditions of weightlessness and adapting to work in constantly changing external conditions. The cyclical nature of the cosmic day allows you to focus on the main tasks and establish a certain operating mode. Several stages can be distinguished in a cosmic day: