It seems funny to wonder what astronauts do for fun in space – they’re in space! How much more fun could you have? In order to complete their experiments and keep their ship in working order, astronauts have to adhere to tight daily schedules, but this doesn’t mean there is no time for fun! Even astronauts can’t work constantly, so flight planners back on Earth make sure to give them time eat, play, relax and exercise while on their missions. The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) enjoys a lot more downtime than the busy crews of shuttle missions in the past. So, what activities can the crew enjoy in the limited space, low-gravity environment?
Astronauts make sure to enjoy the novelties of living in space during their missions, after all, very few people have gotten to experience it! Some of the astronauts favorite things to do for fun are look out the windows and enjoy the view. The crew of the ISS can view a sunrise or a sunset every 45 minutes thanks to the orbit of the station. Astronauts also get magnificient views of Earth, the Moon, the Sun and the stars. Astronauts also spend some of their recreation time just playing in the near-zero gravity. Simple things like somersaults and playing with your food become much more amusing in space.
More familiar past times are also popular in space, such as watching movies, reading and playing card games. Astronauts are encouraged to keep up with hobbies from home such as drawing or music. There are exercise bikes and treadmills on the ISS, and astronauts can also exercise by playing low-gravity versions of team games like basketball or by racing with the other members of the crew.
With current technology, astronauts can connect to the Internet from their laptops, in space, using a satellite connection. They can check their emails, talk to friends and family, or even blog. Being that far away from home must be easier now that astronauts are able to communicate with their families on Earth so easily. Astronauts also spend a lot of time communicating with each other! The ISS gives astronauts from many different countries the opportunity to live and work together. Astronauts must spend a decent amount of time just telling stories and relaying anecdotes from their lives on Earth.
Despite their busy schedules, astronauts still have plenty of fun in space. Astronauts are people too, and think the same kinds of things are fun that we do. They relax the same ways we do – by talking with our friends, playing games and watching movies and TV. The difference is that they get the best view out their window ever!
