Space exploration: What is mission control?

Did You Know: Space – What is mission control? The work that astronauts do would be impossible without mission control. It is a place where many people work to help space missions and astronauts in space. People work in mission control every hour of the day, every day of the year. Keeping watch There are … Read more

Space exploration: What do astronauts eat in space?

Did You Know: Space – What do astronauts eat in space? Astronauts living in space need to eat three meals a day. The food they eat is similar to ours, but it needs to be “cooked” and eaten differently. Astronauts aren’t allowed crumbly food such as bread because the crumbs can float around and clog … Read more

Space exploration: Why do astronauts float in space?

Did You Know: Space – Why do astronauts float in space? In space, astronauts don’t walk around on the floor like people do on the Earth. Instead, they float! This is because they do not feel the effect of gravity, which is the force that pulls you toward the ground on the Earth. This state … Read more

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 … Read more

Space exploration: How do astronauts return to Earth?

Did You Know: Space – How do astronauts return to Earth? Astronauts travel between Earth and the International Space Station in the Soyuz spacecraft. The craft fits three astronauts and takes around three and a half hours to return from the space station back to Earth. Ready to depart The departing astronauts say goodbye and … Read more

Space exploration: What was the Space Shuttle?

Did You Know: Space – What was the Space Shuttle? The space shuttle was the first ever reusable spacecraft. It was used by NASA for 30 years to send astronauts into space. Astronauts who flew on it helped to build the International Space Station, repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, and completed lots of important science … Read more

Space exploration: Why do astronauts need space suits?

Did You Know: Space – Why do astronauts need space suits? There is no air to breathe in space and temperatures can quickly change from being very hot to very cold. To stay safe, astronauts must wear a special space suit when they are outside their spacecraft. Helmet and visor The main part of the … Read more

Space exploration: How do astronauts train for space?

Did You Know: Space – How do astronauts train for space? Going into space is not an easy job. It takes years of training. Spacewalking is the most exciting work for astronauts. They train for it by practicing working underwater, which is similar to how it feels to be in space. Astronaut trainer This person … Read more

Space exploration: How are rockets launched?

Did You Know: Space – How are rockets launched? Going into space is not an easy job. It takes years of training. Spacewalking is the most exciting work for astronauts. They train for it by practicing working underwater, which is similar to how it feels to be in space. Astronaut trainer This person is an … Read more

Space exploration: How long does it take to get to the moon?

Did You Know: Space – How long does it take to get to the moon? During the Apollo moon landings of 1969–1972, it took astronauts three days to travel to the moon from the Earth. Each mission followed the same path around the moon and back again. 1. Liftoff The Saturn V rocket launches from the … Read more