Living in Space

How do astronauts live on the space station, and could people live on Mars?

An exploration of how astronauts survive in microgravity on the ISS and the challenges of potentially living on the harsh surface of Mars.

Check your understanding

1. Why do astronauts need to strap themselves into sleeping bags on the space station?
- A. To keep warm from the cold air
- B. So they do not float away while sleeping
- C. To avoid bumping into the walls
- D. Because the space station is very noisy
2. What happens to your muscles and bones if you do not exercise in space?
- A. They grow stronger than on Earth
- B. They stay exactly the same
- C. They get weak because they do not have to work hard
- D. They change color due to the light
3. How do space toilets differ from toilets on Earth?
- A. They use a vacuum-like system to pull waste away
- B. They use extra water to flush things
- C. They do not need to be used in space
- D. They are much larger than Earth toilets
4. What is the common misconception about gravity in space?
- A. That gravity makes you sleepier
- B. That there is no gravity at all
- C. That gravity is stronger on the space station
- D. That gravity is the same as air pressure

1. Why would humans need to live in 'bubbles' or pressurized buildings on Mars?
- A. To keep the dust out of their homes
- B. To protect them from the poisonous carbon dioxide atmosphere
- C. Because Mars does not have any gravity
- D. To stay closer to the ground
2. If you sent a text message to a friend on Earth while standing on Mars, what would happen?
- A. It would arrive instantly
- B. It would arrive in a few seconds
- C. It would take over 40 minutes to go back and forth
- D. It would be blocked by the cold temperature
3. How do scientists plan to get oxygen for people living on Mars?
- A. By bringing tanks of oxygen from Earth
- B. By using machines to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen
- C. By growing special trees that make oxygen
- D. By collecting oxygen from the planet's oceans
4. Why is it dangerous to walk outside on Mars without a spacesuit?
- A. The surface is made of sticky mud
- B. There is no way to see where you are going
- C. The temperature is extreme and there is harmful space radiation
- D. You would float away into the sky

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