A Day in the Life of an ISS Tourist: 2026 Edition
Morning Routine: Wake-Up in Space
As the artificial dawn breaks inside the International Space Station (ISS), an astronaut wakes to the sounds of gentle beeping from the station’s onboard systems. The year is 2026, and for the first time in history, the ISS is open to space tourists. Floating weightlessly in their private cabin, the space tourist stretches out in their sleeping bag tethered to the wall, embodying the very essence of weightlessness.
The first task of the day involves a quick check of the personal hygiene supplies. A unique blend of liquid soap and toothbrush designed for microgravity facilitates the morning routine, allowing the tourist to brush their teeth without rinsing with traditional water. After a quick wash and donning the comfortable space suit — a stylish adaptation of the classic NASA designs — the tourist prepares for a unique breakfast experience.
Breakfast with a View
Breakfast onboard the ISS is an experience like no other. Floating to the cupola, the largest window on the space station, the tourist enjoys a 270-degree panoramic view of Earth below. The meal consists of thermally stabilized food packets, featuring a delicious mix of scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit, all designed for optimal nutrition in a microgravity environment.
Reaching for a specially designed straw, the tourist sips from a pouch of strawberry-flavored protein shake, marveling at the mesmerizing sight of Earth’s curvature and the endless cosmos. Sunrises occur every 90 minutes aboard the ISS, and witnessing the Earth bathed in dawn’s light is both humbling and inspiring.
Work or Play? The Science Behind the Fun
After breakfast, the tourist has the option of participating in daily experiments or opting for leisure activities. Today, they choose to assist scientists with an experiment focused on plant growth in microgravity. Wearing gloves and navigating the small lab space with precision, the space tourist carefully monitors the growth of various crops, a critical study with implications for future long-duration space missions.
This hands-on experience introduces the tourist to biotechnology in an unprecedented way. The hour spent assisting scientists not only advances research for future Mars missions but provides a deeper understanding of how to sustain life in space. The interaction and possibility of contributing to groundbreaking research make the day exceptionally fulfilling.
Mid-Morning Excursion: Spacewalk Preparation
Following the lab activity, it’s time for an exhilarating break — a daunting spacewalk. The anticipation of stepping outside the safety of the ISS invigorates the tourist, who dons a space suit for the job. Training for spacewalks is rigorous; however, the excitement of experiencing zero-gravity and complete isolation from Earth makes it all worthwhile.
Once suited, the tourist, along with an astronaut guide, prepares for the egress procedure. With the hatch hatch slowly opening, the vastness of space unfolds. Once outside, they are treated to the breathtaking sight of Earth from a completely different perspective. Floating in the vast abyss, the tourist conducts minor repairs on the station while taking turns for snapshots, capturing the iconic view of blue planet beneath.
Outside, they gaze at the constellation-filled sky, encountering satellites gliding by and occasionally witnessing the bright flashes of distant meteors. This moment, allowing a blend of adrenaline and awe, creates lasting memories and serves as a reminder of the unique privilege of being an ISS tourist.
Lunchtime in Microgravity
After the exhilarating escape into the cosmos, returning to the ISS feels both surreal and grounding. Lunch is a simple yet comforting affair today, consisting of rehydratable chili and whole-wheat crackers. To consume food in space requires a unique approach; everything must be secured to avoid floating away. Special magnetic utensils assist in keeping the meal together.
During lunch, the tourist engages with fellow crew members, sharing stories of their home planets while floating above Earth. The camaraderie among the team highlights the shared mission of discovery and exploration, bridging vastly different cultures through the shared experience of space travel.
Afternoon Adventures: Sightseeing and Relaxation
Post-lunch, the ISS tourist focuses on a leisurely side of space travel. They have the freedom to spend hours attending a virtual reality session or using augmented reality gear to immerse themselves in what Earth looked like long ago. Through a system that overlays historical data onto real-time images, the experience highlights geological transformations and significant events, allowing them to appreciate Earth’s history while orbiting it.
As a treat, the tourist can briefly reconnect with Earth through scheduled video calls with family and friends. The emotional bond strengthens as they share their experiences, allowing loved ones to glimpse their extraordinary adventure aboard the ISS.
Evening Activities and Stargazing
As the day transitions into evening, and darkness envelops around the ISS, a special treat awaits: a stargazing session. With the lights down low, astronauts and tourists alike float to the cupola again to observe the universe in a way rarely afforded to humankind. This evening, the ISS passes over parts of Europe, and the lights of major cities glimmer like stars below.
Fascinated by the brightness of stars, planets, and satellite trails, the tourists use a portable telescope equipped with filters to observe distant galaxies and nebulae, learning about astronomical bodies from astronauts who are passionate about astronomy. This collective experience fosters a deep sense of connection — not just to each other but to the cosmos itself.
Dinner and Reflections
Dinner onboard is a communal event, often held with shared stories and discussions about the various cultures represented among astronauts. Options on the menu evolve year by year, incorporating international cuisines, inspired by chef collaborations between NASA and world-renowned culinary experts.
On this particular night, the meal features a fusion of flavors: chicken tikka masala, rice, and a special dessert of space-aged chocolate mousse that captivates every palate. As they eat, laughter fills the module, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement.
Bedtime: Rest in Orbit
As the day winds down, the tourist returns to their sleeping quarters. Before closing their eyes, there’s a quick review of their photos and videos taken throughout the day, capturing the miraculous activities and stunning vistas. Setting an alarm for the next day’s adventures, the tourist secures their sleeping bag and reflects on a day filled with discovery, awe, and human connection, buoyed by the knowledge that they have experienced something profoundly transformative: life above our planet.
As the ISS continues to orbit the Earth at a staggering speed, life for the ISS tourist may be complete for today, yet the memories of an extraordinary day above our planet will resonate for years to come.