Station Tour: Harmony, Tranquility, Unity

Summary

Astronaut Sunny Williams offers a virtual tour of the International Space Station, highlighting Node 2 where four out of six astronauts sleep. She demonstrates sleeping in microgravity, showing how orientation doesn't affect comfort. Williams also addresses daily routines like brushing teeth with water's unique behavior in space and managing toothpaste, either swallowing it or spitting into a towel. The bathroom facilities are toured, explaining the separate systems for solid and liquid waste, complete with color-coded equipment and hygiene supplies. The kitchen's international array of food, including dehydrated and pre-made meals, concludes the tour, showcasing the variety and personal touches astronauts enjoy.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Sunny Williams introduces the Node 2 module on the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting its unique design with four sides.
• 🛌 Sleep in space is different; astronauts use sleeping bags and can sleep in any orientation due to the lack of sensation of lying down.
• 🏠 The sleep station doubles as a personal office, complete with a computer, toys, books, clothes, and other personal items.
• 🧼 Daily hygiene in space is maintained with special kits that include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials, with water behaving differently due to microgravity.
• 🌌 The ISS has a designated bathroom area, referred to as the 'orbital outhouse,' with separate facilities for solid and liquid waste.
• 👀 Astronauts must be precise when using the toilet to ensure waste is directed correctly and to maintain hygiene.
• 🍽 The ISS kitchen contains a variety of food from different countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Russia, with options for both dehydrated and pre-made meals.
• 🥫 Food on the ISS is diverse, with some items needing hydration and others only requiring heating, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.
• 🧻 Toilet paper in space comes in different types, including coarse Russian wipes and softer tissues, with gloves and disinfectant wipes for cleanup.
• 🔒 Privacy is respected in space, with a door on the bathroom area to indicate occupancy and maintain personal space.

Q & A

Where is Sunny Williams located in the script?

Sunny Williams is located on the International Space Station, specifically in Node 2.

How many sides do most modules in the International Space Station have?

Most modules in the International Space Station have four sides.

How does Sunny describe the sensation of lying down in space?

Sunny explains that there isn't really a sensation of lying down in space because of the lack of gravity.

What is the purpose of the sleeping bag in space?

The sleeping bag in space is used to contain the astronaut and prevent them from floating around while they sleep.

How does Sunny describe the orientation of sleeping in space?

Sunny mentions that astronauts can sleep in any orientation, and they don't have a sensation of being upside down or standing up.

What does Sunny keep in the sleep station besides the sleeping bag?

In the sleep station, Sunny keeps a computer, toys, books, clothes, and other personal items.

How many astronauts sleep in Node 2 according to the script?

Four out of six astronauts sleep in Node 2.

What does Sunny use to brush his teeth in space?

Sunny uses a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush his teeth in space.

How does Sunny handle the toothpaste after brushing his teeth in space?

Sunny has two options for handling toothpaste after brushing: he can swallow it, which acts like mouthwash, or spit it out into a paper towel.

What is the term Sunny uses for the bathroom in space?

Sunny refers to the bathroom in space as the 'orbital outhouse'.

How does Sunny handle toilet paper in space?

Sunny uses gloves and different types of wipes, including Russian wipes, tissues, and Huggies, to handle toilet paper in space.

What types of food does Sunny mention are available on the International Space Station?

Sunny mentions that there are dehydrated foods, pre-made foods, and a variety of foods from different countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Russia.

How does Sunny describe the process of preparing food in space?

Sunny explains that some foods need to be hydrated with water, while others are already made and just need to be heated.

Outlines

00:00

🛌 Life and Sleep in Space

Sunny Williams, an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), introduces Node 2, a unique module where four out of six astronauts sleep. Unlike traditional beds, sleeping in space is done in sleeping bags, and orientation doesn't matter due to the lack of sensation of lying down. Each sleep station is also a personal office, equipped with a computer, toys, books, and clothes, creating a homely environment. The video also touches on the question of using the bathroom in space, hinting at the challenges and solutions astronauts face.

05:01

🚽 Space Bathroom and Daily Routine

The script continues with a detailed look into the ISS's bathroom, referred to as the 'orbital outhouse.' It serves dual purposes for both number one and number two, with separate areas for each. Astronauts must be precise due to the small size of the facilities. The bathroom is equipped with gloves, wipes, and disinfectants to maintain hygiene. The video also discusses the variety of toilet paper options available, including Russian wipes and soft tissues, and the importance of aiming correctly to prevent messes. Additionally, the script describes the ISS's kitchen, which is stocked with a wide range of food from different countries, some dehydrated and others pre-made, catering to the diverse tastes of the astronauts.

Keywords

💡International Space Station (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It serves as a research laboratory and living quarters for astronauts. In the video, Sunny Williams describes being on the ISS, highlighting the unique living conditions and daily routines of astronauts, such as sleeping, using the bathroom, and eating.

💡Node 2

Node 2, also known as 'Harmony,' is a module of the ISS that serves as a connecting point for other modules and a living space for astronauts. Williams mentions Node 2 as the location where the video is filmed, emphasizing the modular design of the ISS.

💡Sleeping in space

Sleeping in space is different from on Earth due to the absence of gravity. Astronauts use sleeping bags attached to the walls of the ISS to sleep in any orientation. Williams demonstrates sleeping in a 'phone booth'-like sleep station, illustrating the lack of sensation of lying down in microgravity.

💡Microgravity

Microgravity is the condition experienced in space where objects appear weightless. It affects various activities, including sleeping, as mentioned by Williams, who explains that astronauts don't experience the sensation of lying down or being upside down.

💡Sleeping bag

A sleeping bag in space is a specially designed bag that astronauts use to contain themselves during sleep. Williams describes how astronauts 'sit' in their sleeping bags, which are attached to the walls of the ISS, to prevent them from floating around while sleeping.

💡Orbital outhouse

The 'orbital outhouse' refers to the toilet facilities on the ISS. Williams gives a tour of the bathroom, explaining the dual functions for solid and liquid waste disposal, and the importance of good aim due to the microgravity environment.

💡Surface tension

Surface tension is a property of liquids that causes them to behave as if their surfaces are covered with a thin elastic membrane. Williams demonstrates this by showing how water sticks to a toothbrush in space, forming a bubble due to surface tension.

💡Hygiene in space

Maintaining hygiene in space is challenging due to microgravity. Williams discusses the use of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and various types of toilet paper, as well as the need for wipes and disinfectants to clean up after using the bathroom in space.

💡Dehydrated food

Dehydrated food is food from which most of the water has been removed, making it lightweight and suitable for space travel. Williams mentions that some of the food on the ISS is dehydrated and needs to be rehydrated with water before consumption.

💡Cultural food diversity

The ISS hosts astronauts from different countries, and the food reflects this diversity. Williams points out food from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, highlighting the international cooperation and cultural exchange present in the space station's daily life.

💡Fluffernutter

A fluffernutter is a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. Williams mentions receiving fluff from her family, which she uses to make a fluffernutter, showing a personal touch and the ability to enjoy familiar comforts even in space.

Highlights

Introduction to Node 2 on the International Space Station (ISS).

Explanation of how modules on the ISS are designed with four sides for ease of working in microgravity.

Discussion on sleeping arrangements in space, including the lack of sensation for lying down.

Demonstration of entering a sleep station on the ISS, which is likened to a phone booth.

Description of the sleeping bag used by astronauts and the flexibility of sleeping orientation in microgravity.

Mention of the sleep station doubling as a personal office with a computer and personal items.

Overview of the bathroom facilities on the ISS, including the challenges of using the toilet in microgravity.

Explanation of how astronauts brush their teeth in space, including the use of toothpaste and water in microgravity.

Details on the disposal of toothpaste after brushing teeth, with options of swallowing or spitting.

Tour of the 'orbital outhouse' on the ISS, highlighting the separate functions for solid and liquid waste.

Description of the toilet paper options available to astronauts, including gloves and wipes for hygiene.

Discussion on the importance of aiming correctly when using the toilet to prevent messes in microgravity.

Introduction to the ISS kitchen and the variety of food available to astronauts.

Explanation of how dehydrated food is rehydrated and how pre-made food is heated on the ISS.

Mention of international food options on the ISS, including American, Japanese, and Russian cuisine.

Personal touch of receiving favorite foods from home, such as fluffernutters, sent to the ISS.

Transcripts

hello i'm sunny williams i'm up here on

the international space station

so this is node 2. this is a really cool

module

of course most of these modules you'll

see they have four sides

and they're put together that way we

could sort of work on a flat plane

either a wall a floor another wall or

the ceiling but you know again all you

have to do is turn yourself in your

reference

changes

the reason i'm bringing that up is

because this is where four out of six of

us sleep

and so people always ask about sleeping

in space do you lie down are you in a

bed

not really because it doesn't matter you

don't really have the sensation of lying

down you just sit in your sleeping bag

so here's one sleep station right here

i'm going in right now

you can follow me if you want

so i'm inside

it's sort of like a little phone booth

but it's pretty comfy i've got a

sleeping bag right here that we sleep in

so we don't have sort of like a little

bit of a cover we don't fly all over the

place

but you know you can sleep in any

orientation i have it sleeping

feeling like i'm standing up right now

but like you saw i'm on the floor but it

doesn't matter if i

turn over

and i sleep

upside down i can't have it i don't have

any sensation in my head that tells me

that i'm upside down so it really

doesn't matter

the sleep station is also like a little

office

we've got a computer in here

as you can see we've got a couple little

toys i've got some books i've got some

clothes

and other things that make it sort of

like home

i'm coming out

and just for reference that's one sleep

station

this one's

another

right here

there's one on the ceiling if you want

to call it

right here

and then there's a fourth

on the other wall

over here

so all of us sleep in a little bit of a

circle

all right come on back there's more to

show you

i know that there's some questions about

how to use the bathroom

and how do you actually live in space

like normal like at home i mentioned

real quickly about getting up in the

morning and brushing your teeth and

washing your face well how do you do

that

well here is the bathroom essentially

you get up in the morning and we have a

little kit and it has

all the essential things that you need

like your toothbrush and toothpaste

and brush

see how

see how much better the brush makes my

hair look

[Laughter]

i'm just joking it still stands up

straight it doesn't matter

where you are it's always going to stand

up straight while you're up in space

a lot of people ask about toothbrush and

toothpaste

so

luckily enough

toothpaste

you can do it upside right this way is

sticky

and so it sticks to your toothbrush no

problem

another cool thing

is

that water

sticks to your toothbrush too

if you can see it

i'll have some water come out

water is pretty neat up in space

it'll stick to your toothbrush

and it will make

a big bubble

and that's just my surface tension

and then you can

drink it

so a lot of people ask about what do you

do

with the toothpaste after you brush your

teeth

two options

swallow it and it's sort of like

mouthwash

but it tastes a little gross

or

you can just spit it out in a paper

towel and then you don't have to worry

about it

swallowing thing i wouldn't recommend at

home

i'm only up here for four months so it's

not that bad

[Music]

one of the most pressing questions about

using being living in space of course is

the bathroom so let's take a look at

that little piece of work

come on in

[Music]

here we are at the throne

this is

awesome you might see the little um you

might have noticed the little moon on

the outside

this is our

orbital outhouse right here

[Music]

and of course it serves for two

functions

number two right here

i'll show you

but you see it's pretty small so you

have to have pretty good aim and you'll

be

be ready to

make sure things get let go the right

direction

and it smells a little bit so i'm

closing it up

and that's of course for number two

and this guy right here

is for number one

so they're sort of two slightly separate

functions but you can do a little

essentially both by

hanging on right here

and doing number one and number two

i might add it's color coded so you

really don't get it mixed up which is

nice this is yellows for number one

and also there's a selection of

paper people always ask about toilet

paper what do you do with toilet paper

what kind of toilet paper do you have

we have gloves just because sometimes it

does get messy

we have some russian wipes which are a

little bit coarse if you like the coarse

type of toilet paper we have some nice

tissues which are nice and soft if you

like soft toilet paper

we have huggies

um just for any cleanup you know we're

all babies once and this sort of helps

and then if things get really out of

control we have

uh

disinfectant wipes just to make sure we

clean up here because you know just like

the water

i showed you the number one stuff can

sort of go all over the place if you

don't aim correctly and did i mention

both of these have a little bit of

suction so they should keep things going

in the right direction but

like i said sometimes things get a

little out of control if you are out of

control yourself flying around so we

have lots of protective stuff and of

course you do have your privacy

here's a little door

so other people know that you're in

there

here's a pretty cool place this is sort

of like in your house where everybody

meets in the morning

after you wash your face brush your

teeth you want to find something for

breakfast and this is our kitchen

you might notice there's all sorts of

foods here it's like opening the

refrigerator you got all your different

stuff that you want to have drinks meats

eggs

vegetables cereals

bread

snacks and that's good place that's

where you find all the candy

side dishes and then some little power

bars just in case so we have all this

type of food some of it is dehydrated

and so we have to hydrate it fill it up

with water some of it is already made

and then all we have to do

is

heat it up so something like this i'm

pulling out barbecued beef brisket

pretty yummy

not only is this food made in the u.s

but we also have food here from japan

we've got russian food as you can see

all these red containers are filled with

food that's from russia

and then we get some of our specialty

stuff some things that we like some of

our favorite stuff that your family can

send up in fact i like fluffernutters

and so i got sent up some fluff so i

could make my fluffernutter with peanut

butter so you have a lot of food up here

no problems

you