16 Sunrises, 16 Sunsets: Indian Astronaut’s Extraordinary Day Aboard the ISS

Image Source: Times Of India

A recent revelation about space life came from an Indian space explorer on the International Space Station (ISS), who described the peculiar rhythm of a "day" with 16 sunrises and sunsets—each of 45 minutes' duration.

Key Highlights:

•⁠ ⁠Breathtaking Cycle: The ISS orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, and thus astronauts see 16 complete day-night cycles in a 24-hour cycle, experiencing sunrise and sunset from space in breathtaking views.

•⁠ ⁠Sleep Problems: The crew follows a strict schedule, sleeping in dimly lit cabins trying to create night, even though light and darkness outside the vessel constantly shift.

•⁠ ⁠Breathtaking View: The experience was surreal, says the astronaut, as the Earth's curvature, rolling clouds, and city lights could be seen from the station windows, providing a new perspective to our planet.

•⁠ ⁠Daily Routine: Scientific experiments, upkeep, and exercise to keep healthy bones and muscles in space are all included in the job. Normalcy is achieved with food, interaction with people, and video calls with family members.

•⁠ ⁠Global Camaraderie: The team, made up of astronauts from different nations, operates in perfect harmony with one another, exchanging cultures and encouraging each other in the harsh environment.

Prospect: Life on the ISS is a blend of wonder, discipline, and harmony. As India's space aspirations grow, such individual narratives inspire future space travelers and space enthusiasts, highlighting the beauty and complexity of living and working in space above the Earth.

Sources: ISRO, The Times of India, NASA