Astronaut

An astronaut travels into space and works inside a spacecraft or a space station, which is like a big house that floats high above the Earth. On a regular day, they test plants growing without soil, fix equipment with special tools, and talk by radio with teams on the ground. For example, they might float over to a window, take a photo of a storm swirling over the ocean, and then tighten a loose part on a machine. They also practice a lot, in giant pools and simulators, so every step feels familiar.

The things an astronaut learns up there come back down to help people at home. Studying how water, plants and our bodies behave in space can teach us better ways to grow food, clean water and keep people healthy. The photos they take help weather teams spot storms early, so families can get ready. Astronauts also work closely with friends from many countries, showing how people can share one workplace and solve problems together.