“Diapers Are Part Of Astronaut Life”: 30 Gross And Cool Realities Astronauts Deal With

Becoming an astronaut sounds like the ultimate dream: floating in zero gravity, gazing at Earth from space, and being part of something far bigger than yourself. But behind the stunning spacewalks and high-tech missions lies a much grittier, weirder reality. Life in space is full of odd challenges—and some of them are just plain gross.

Here are some fascinating (and slightly icky) facts about what it’s really like to live as an astronaut.

#1 You Must Be Able To Speak Russian On The ISS

Image source: Benjamin Nunez Gonzalez Proficiency in Russian is essential for astronauts assigned to the International Space Station (ISS) to ensure effective communication and operation of systems across its distinct US and Russian segments. Given that crews also travel to and from the station using the Russian Soyuz rocket, understanding the language is very practical. While not every astronaut learns Russian, it is a key requirement for those undertaking ISS missions, and some astronauts opt to learn it even if not directly assigned to such a mission.

#2 Diapers Are Part Of Astronaut Life

Image source: Spamily During space missions, individuals use what is officially termed a "Maximum Absorbency Garment" when access to standard toilet facilities is not possible. This absorbent undergarment, essentially an adult diaper, is a practical solution for managing bodily functions during unpredictable situations or lengthy delays. The inability to simply unbuckle for a restroom break at critical times makes such a garment necessary for astronauts.

#3 The Record For The Most Time In Space By A NASA Astronaut Is Held By A Woman

Image source: NASA With a total of 665 days accumulated over several missions, American astronaut Peggy Whitson holds the NASA record for the most time spent in space. Her extensive experience and scientific work have established her as a notable figure in space exploration. This remarkable achievement highlights her dedication to the field.

#4 The Skylab 4 Astronauts Went On “Strike”

Image source: NASA Johnson The astronauts aboard Skylab 4 went on “strike” for a day because they felt overwhelmed by the demands of Mission Control. They used the time to look out the window and think.

#5 Sleeping On A Spacecraft Is A Science Too

Image source: NASA Johnson To prevent waking up oxygen-deprived and gasping for air, astronauts need good airflow around them as they sleep. Without sufficient ventilation, a bubble of their own exhaled carbon dioxide can accumulate around their heads. Ensuring proper air circulation is therefore important for astronaut safety during rest periods in space.

#6 Astronauts Can Get A Little Taller In Space

Image source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Astronauts can experience a temporary increase in height, sometimes up to 3%, while in space due to the microgravity environment. This phenomenon occurs because the spinal disks, which are compressed by gravity on Earth, expand when that gravitational force is significantly reduced. Upon returning to Earth, it typically takes a few months for an astronaut's height to revert to its original measurement as gravity reasserts its compressive effect.

#7 A Lot Of Astronaut Training Is Done In The Water

Image source: NASA Johnson A key part of preparing for space involves extensive underwater training, which allows astronauts to experience simulated weightlessness; therefore, early scuba certification is essential. Within facilities like NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, trainees don full spacesuits to practice mission-specific tasks, always under the watchful eyes of safety divers. This aquatic work is a component of the demanding overall training regimen faced by the few candidates chosen from many hopefuls, which also includes initial water survival assessments.

#8 There Is A Very District Smell In Space

Image source: NASA Apparently space has a smell, and it's similar to burned meat.

#9 The First Meal On The Moon Was An American Staple

Image source: NASA / Neil A. Armstrong Following their historic moonwalk on July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin partook in the first meal ever eaten on the Moon. To mark this momentous occasion, their menu consisted of bacon, peaches, and sugar cookie squares. They also enjoyed a pineapple-grapefruit drink and coffee as part of this unique lunar celebration.

#10 Space Food Is Way More High-Tech Than You Think

Image source: jpellgen (@1105_jp) Food for astronauts in space includes many choices like fruits, meats, and desserts, which are often dried and sealed in special bags. This preparation ensures the food is nutritious and easy to eat without gravity, and astronauts just add water to it before meals. The packaging is also very important to stop small bits or liquids from floating around and causing trouble on the spacecraft.

#11 Microgravity Can Change The Shape Of Your Heart

Image source: NASA Microgravity can cause an astronaut's heart to become more spherical, a temporary change that reverts after returning to Earth. This alteration in shape is thought to indicate that the heart operates less efficiently in space. Scientists monitor this because extended periods in microgravity, despite the heart returning to normal, may still lead to future heart issues.

#12 Space Gloves Can Cause Their Fingernails To Fall Off

Image source: Nsey Benajah The design of an astronaut's space gloves, which are heavy and bulky, can unfortunately lead to their fingernails falling off over time. This happens because the gloves put a lot of pressure on the fingers and can reduce or even stop blood circulation, sometimes causing blisters first. As a preventative measure against this painful issue and potential infection, some astronauts have chosen to remove their fingernails before embarking on space missions.

#13 Astronauts Experience More Than A Dozen Sunrises A Day

Image source: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center Due to the fact it only takes the ISS roughly 90 minutes to fully orbit the Earth, astronauts on board are treated to a sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes. As you can imagine, this can make trying to get a decent night's sleep quite difficult, especially with the sun frequently popping back into view. An astronaut is expected to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep, but when you have 45 minutes of light followed by 45 minutes of dark, this easily disrupts an astronaut's natural day and night cycle! To try and get around this, the ISS has its lights turned up to full brightness for roughly 15-16 hours and then those lights at dimmed for between 8-9 hours when it’s time to sleep and rest.

#14 ‘Astronaut” Has Its Roots In The Greek Language

Image source: NASA The term "star sailor" directly reflects the meaning of "astronaut," a word constructed from ancient Greek. Its origins lie in "astron," which means "star," combined with "nautes," the Greek word for "sailor." These two components together describe those who journey among the stars.

#15 Toilet Training Is A Gross But Necessary Part Of Preparation

Image source: Svobodat Using the toilet in space requires specific training because the system relies on vacuum suction rather than gravity. Astronauts use hoses with special funnels for urination, and an internal fan directs waste into a container. For solid waste, a very small opening, only about four inches wide, demands careful aim, making this an essential if unglamorous part of astronaut preparation.

#16 Astronauts Learn To Survive In All Kinds Of Environments

Image source: Askeuhd Because astronauts might face off-course landings in challenging terrains after returning from space, or encounter equipment failures in orbit, extensive wilderness survival training is standard. Space agencies worldwide ensure their crews are prepared by conducting this training in diverse environments, from deserts and jungles to frigid forests, sometimes with guidance from military survival experts. These programs involve practicing essential skills like first aid, using emergency supply kits, and responding to simulated emergencies, ensuring astronauts are ready for a variety of hazardous situations.

#17 You Age Slower When In Space Than On Earth

Image source: United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) A consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity is that astronauts in space experience time, and therefore aging, slightly differently than people on Earth. This occurs because massive objects like planets warp space-time with their gravity, causing time to pass at different rates depending on proximity to that gravitational force. For those aboard the International Space Station, this means they age a tiny fraction of a second slower, illustrating how time is not absolute.

#18 The Youngest Astronaut Was Only 25

Image source: wikimedia At the age of 25, Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov became the youngest individual to venture into space. His historic flight aboard Vostok 2 took place on August 6, 1961, marking a significant early milestone in space exploration. The mission itself spanned just over 25 hours, solidifying Titov's place in history.

#19 The International Space Station Isn't Only For NASA

Image source: NASA Johnson Representing a significant international partnership, the International Space Station (ISS) involves space agencies from the United States (NASA), Russia (Roscosmos), Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA), and Canada (CSA). This orbiting laboratory allows astronauts from these diverse nations to conduct a wide array of scientific experiments in fields such as biology and physics. The ISS stands as a symbol of peaceful cooperation and shared scientific advancement in space exploration.

#20 Spacewalks Are Common But Compliated

Image source: Alexander Gerst For safety, astronauts wear special suits (EMUs) and stay connected to their spacecraft with tethers when they work outside. These outings, crucial for tasks like repairs, maintenance, or conducting science experiments, help keep space stations and vehicles functioning. Officially known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), these spacewalks require significant planning and preparation.

#21 It Can Take Years Before They Get To Go To Space

Image source: Askeuhd Even after completing extensive training, astronauts may not travel to space for several years, sometimes working on ground-based projects like engineering support during this waiting period. For example, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger had a four-year gap and Christer Fuglesang waited 14 years for their first missions following their initial and specialized instruction. This pre-assignment phase ensures astronauts remain active in their space program while anticipating their flight.

#22 It Can Be Harder For Astronauts To See In Space

Image source: NASA Kennedy During space missions, astronauts can experience changes to their eyesight. This phenomenon is often linked to increased pressure inside the skull, a condition known as intracranial pressure. These vision issues are a notable physiological effect observed in individuals working in microgravity.

#23 Astronauts Have Been Able To Garden In Space

Image source: NASA HQ PHOTO Gardening in space has become a reality, with astronauts successfully cultivating various plants such as zinnias, lettuce, and radishes. This ability to grow fresh food in the microgravity environment is an important development. These botanical experiments help scientists understand plant growth under unique conditions and support long-duration space missions.

#24 Astronauts' Smell And Taste Are Affected

Image source: NASA Johnson In space, astronauts often find their senses of smell and taste are dulled. This happens because the lack of strong gravity allows bodily fluids to shift upwards towards the head. This fluid redistribution can create a sensation similar to congestion, impacting their ability to fully perceive flavors and aromas.

#25 Astronauts Have Special Eyewear For Space Missions

Image source: NASA HQ PHOTO Special eyewear is used by astronauts to help with vision changes that can occur due to prolonged exposure to microgravity, a condition NASA calls Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Maintaining good eyesight is essential for the detailed work astronauts perform, and this space-related health issue is carefully studied for long missions. Even pioneering astronaut John Glenn carried "space anticipation glasses" to address potential visual challenges.

#26 The "Maximum Absorbency Garment" Is For Use Outside The Spacecraft As Well

Image source: Charly ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Lebouc NASA The "Maximum Absorbency Garment" is crucial for astronauts conducting spacewalks or other activities outside their spacecraft, as it allows them to work for prolonged periods without needing to return inside. This specialized undergarment, effectively an adult diaper, addresses the challenge of managing bodily functions when toilet facilities are inaccessible. Its design ensures that missions can continue uninterrupted by basic human needs, especially during critical external operations.

#27 Space Sickness Is A Thing

Image source: NASA Johnson Many astronauts, over half in fact, encounter Space Adaptation Syndrome, a form of motion sickness experienced in orbit. This condition, often called "space sickness," can bring on symptoms like headaches, nausea, and general unease as the body adjusts to microgravity. The severity of these symptoms can vary, with former senator Jake Garn's notable case leading to an informal "garn" scale used by astronauts.

#28 Astronauts Have To Exercise Every Day In Space

Image source: Christopher Altman, Association of Spaceflight Professionals Daily exercise for at least two hours is essential for astronauts to combat the weakening of muscles and bones caused by the lack of gravity. Using equipment like treadmills and resistance devices, they work to prevent significant physical deterioration. This consistent activity also helps manage bodily fluid shifts, such as plasma loss, which can affect oxygen circulation.

#29 Arizona's Crater Field Is A Popular Training Ground

Image source: dbking Northern Arizona is home to Meteor Crater, a significant landmark over 170 meters deep and more than a kilometer across, which NASA has used for astronaut training since the Apollo program. Formed by a meteorite impact roughly 50,000 years ago, this site allowed early astronauts to practice mapping and surveying. The crater continues to be a valuable training location for new NASA recruits preparing for space missions.

#30 Apart From Physical Tests, There Are Psychological Evaluations Too

Image source: Christopher.Michel Beyond physical fitness, prospective astronauts undergo thorough psychological evaluations. These assessments are vital to determine if individuals possess the mental fortitude required for space travel. Dealing with high-stress situations, prolonged isolation, and close-quarters teamwork are all part of the job, making psychological stability a key selection criterion.