Most of an astronaut's career is spent training on Earth, but here's a day in orbit (times in GMT):
Review the day's plan with mission control. Check for overnight alarms.
Tend plant growth and swap samples. Adjust the plan when results surprise.
Draw blood and scan eyes for studies. The subject is the astronaut.
Pull apart a failing life-support part. Fix it, or call the ground?
Guide the arm to catch an incoming cargo ship, inches at a time.
Test suits and tools for tomorrow. Anyone feeling unwell speaks up now.
Two hours of workouts on special machines to keep bones and muscles strong.
Answer kids' questions live from orbit, then debrief with mission control.
- Float outside the space station on spacewalks to fix and upgrade equipment.
- Run science experiments in microgravity, from growing plants to studying the human body.
- Repair broken spacecraft systems, life support, and station equipment while orbiting Earth.
- Operate robotic arms to capture cargo ships and move gear.
- Fly and dock spacecraft, and test new vehicles for missions like Artemis.
- Is this problem fixable right now, or should I stop and call mission control?
- Do I trust my training and the checklist, or does this situation need me to improvise?
- Am I too tired or unwell to safely do this spacewalk, or can I push through?
- Should I stick to the experiment plan, or adjust it when something unexpected shows up?
- Is this a small glitch I can watch, or a warning sign of something bigger?
Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and the universe as a whole. They use telescopes, code, and computer models to analyze data, test theories, and share their discoveries in research papers.
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in flight and space exploration, creating the vehicles and systems that take us to the skies and beyond.
Flight Surgeons are specialized physicians who focus on the health, safety, and performance of pilots, astronauts, and other aviation and aerospace personnel. They combine expertise in aerospace medicine with clinical practice to ensure that those who work in challenging aerial and space environments remain fit for duty and can perform at their peak.
