Source: NASA

09-19-2008 19:01

Yes, and they get to come home for the holidays.

Nope!

Sometimes a shuttle mission will occur during a holiday such as Christmas. However, the crew will take time off for a short celebration then get right back to work. On long term missions aboard the International Space Station, the crew members live and work in space for months at a time.

Yes, but they are on call 24 hours a day.

Incorrect!

As long as astronauts stay in space they are expected to carry out their mission objectives. However, shuttle and station crews are scheduled off duty time so they can relax. Back on Earth, astronauts work a normal 8 hour shift preparing and training for future missions to space.

No, because the space station orbits the Earth permanently.

Not right!

Space station crews stay in orbit for a few months at a time while performing science research and ensuring their spacecraft is in good shape. However, like workers on Earth, they do get weekends and holidays off.

Sometimes, though it's impossible to land in time for a holiday.

Exactly!

Shuttle missions are short. Each day is devoted to achieving the mission objectives. However, shuttle astronauts do get time off for breakfast, lunch, dinner and personal relaxation time before going to sleep. Station crews have a less intense work schedule but they stay in space much longer and certainly get their weekends and holidays off.

 

Editor:Liu Fang