Space. The final frontier. The last undiscovered realm. Many have ventured into its depths. What lies beyond the eternity of mystery? Why do we care so much about the abyss of space? We've all seen pictures, but do what you probably don't know is that there are 30,000 people who make explorations like the space shuttle happen. One type of them is astronauts. We all think: “wow, they're so cool with their suits and helmets,” but do you really know how their life is behind the scenes?

       The astronauts have a very small living space. There are two small rooms called crew cabins, each just big enough for one person. They all eat, sleep, exercise, and work in one room. They sleep in sleeping bags tied to the wall. Also, they can sleep in one of four bunk beds or the pilot's or commander's seat. Astronauts get about eight hours of sleep each night. When it is time for them to wake up, Mission Control plays different songs to each astronaut. Family members or loved ones are permitted to request songs.

     At the space station, astronauts wear shirts and shorts. On average, they get new clothes every ten days . Also, they get two sweatshirts. The astronauts use rinse-less shampoo, and have to pee into vacuums-like tubes. Each astronaut has their own tube. They have to dry themselves as they wash, so as not to release water into the shuttle.

     Aside from having fun with micro-gravity, there is a lot of work to do in space. The astronauts install and repair telescopes, satellites, and robots. They also work on improving the space station and take pictures. The astronauts must work out in space. If they don't, they will get fat and their bones will get weak. They don't walk around much, so they don't use much energy.

     The space food has gotten much better over the years. All of their food used to come out of toothpaste tubes, but now they can eat things such as brownies and fruit. Macaroni and spaghetti need to have water added. There is no refrigerator, but an over is provided. The astronauts can have salt and pepper in liquid form. Condiments such as mustard and mayo are permitted. They eat three meals a day.

     Now you know all about life as an astronauts. Maybe you want to be one when you grow up? Maybe you want to help build a space shuttle? Remember that astronauts don't do all the work, there are so many people behind the scenes that make it happen.