Yes, there are humans in space! While not as many as you might think, there are always a few astronauts and cosmonauts living and working on the International Space Station.
Who's Out There?
- Astronauts: The term astronaut is primarily used by the United States and other countries that are part of the International Space Station program.
- Cosmonauts: The term cosmonaut is used by Russia, the country that historically led the way in human space exploration.
What Do They Do?
Astronauts and cosmonauts conduct scientific experiments, maintain the space station, and observe Earth from a unique perspective. They also help us learn more about the effects of space travel on the human body.
How Long Do They Stay?
Missions to the International Space Station typically last for six months. Some astronauts have stayed for longer periods, while others have returned to Earth after shorter missions.
Where Can I Learn More?
You can find more information about human space exploration on the websites of:
- NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/
- Roscosmos: https://www.roscosmos.ru/
- European Space Agency: https://www.esa.int/
