Major Tim Peake and the team of astronauts who boarded the International Space Station (ISS) last night will carry out dozens of scientific experiments for researchers on Earth, as he orbits the planet at an altitude of 220 miles, and a speed of 17,900mph.
The space scientist has become the first British astronaut aboard the ISS, where he will live for six months, but what will life be like up there for him and the team?
Well, let’s just say it will be far from comfortable. Day to day, he and his fellow astronauts will work, sleep and exercise, according to a strict and regimented routine.
Bath with a sponge
With no beds aboard the ISS, when the astronauts want to sleep they are forced to wrap themselves inside sleeping bags hooked onto the walls of their cabins – and when they need to wash, it will have to be done with a sponge, as there’s no shower or bath!
Food is freeze dried and vacuum packed and includes nothing liable to produce crumbs, in case some escape and float around. Peanut butter has been described as the best space food.
Space sickness
During his six month mission – named Principia in homage to Sir Isaac Newton’s text on gravity and motion – Major Peake will participate in over 250 experiments, such as growing crystals and blood vessels in space. He will also be engaging with schools around the UK in live video streams, as part of an educational programme in co-operation with the UK Space Agency.
Although one of the first challenges he will have to face is overcoming space sickness!
Photo by: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center