Space exploration: Where do astronauts live in space?

Did You Know: Space – Where do astronauts live in space?

The International Space Station (ISS) is where astronauts live, sleep, exercise, and work in space.

It is the biggest object ever flown in space and is the first step toward exploring deeper into our solar system.

Kibo module

The Japanese Kibo module is one of the places where experiments are carried out. The module has a small chamber, which astronauts can use to put experiments outside the ISS.

Solar panels

The best source of energy in space is the sun. Solar panels are used to collect sunlight that is then changed into electricity.

Soyuz

The Soyuz capsule carries people to and from the ISS. When astronauts return to the Earth, they travel in the Soyuz.

Temperature control

The ISS is equipped with a temperature control system to keep the station’s temperature comfortable for the astronauts inside.

Without it, the station’s sun-facing side could reach temperatures of 248ºF (120ºC), and its dark side could be as cold as -238ºF (-150ºC)

Zvezda module

The Zvezda module is a Russian module on the ISS. It provides life-support systems, as well as living quarters for two astronauts..

What do astronauts do in space?

Space walks

Sometimes astronauts go for space walks to repair and maintain the outside of the International Space Station.

Science experiments

Astronauts study how materials and living things behave in space. What they learn can help how we live on the Earth.