WHAT DO ASTRONAUTS DO WHEN NOT IN SPACE ?

Conduct Scientific Experiments: Research on the ISS improves knowledge about the effects of long-term space exposure on the human body. Subjects currently under study include muscle atrophy, bone loss, and fluid shift. The data will be used to determine whether space colonization and lengthy human spaceflight are feasible.
Maintain the Space Station: There are two types of on-orbit maintenance: Preventive maintenance, which involves inspection, replacement and cleaning tasks that the astronauts train for prior to their mission. An international fleet of space vehicles launches ISS components; rotates crews; provides logistical support; and replenishes propellant, items for science experi- ments, and other necessary supplies and equipment. The Space Shuttle must be used to deliver most ISS modules and major components.
Daily Exercise: Astronauts on the station work out six out of seven days a week for 2.5 hours each day. The International Space Station is equipped with three machines designed to give astronauts that full-body workout: a bicycle, a treadmill, and a weightlifting machine called ARED, for Advanced Resistive Exercise Device. Over the course of a long-duration mission, astronauts must exercise approximately two hours per day!

SPACE