For astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), the concepts of day and night take on a whole new meaning. Traveling at a staggering speed of 28,000 km per hour, the ISS completes a full orbit of Earth every 90 minutes. This means astronauts witness an astonishing 16 sunrises and sunsets within a single Earth day.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently aboard the ISS, is among those familiar with this extraordinary experience. In a 2013 event at the University of Gujarat, where she was honored in the presence of then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Williams shared her awe at witnessing multiple sunrises and sunsets in a day. “I was lucky to see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets in a fast-moving space shuttle,” she said, reflecting on her career in space.
Her current mission has been extended until February 2025 due to delays in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s return schedule. Alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, she is making use of the extra time to contribute to research and enjoy the unique experiences space offers.
Why 16 Sunrises and Sunsets?
The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, allowing astronauts to move from the dark side of Earth to the sunlit side and back again about every 45 minutes. This rapid cycle means they experience “day” and “night” far more frequently than on Earth.
In the absence of natural daylight, astronauts use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to structure their schedules. This regimented routine, divided into five-minute intervals, includes work, meals, and rest, all crucial to maintaining physical and mental health in the ISS’s unique environment.
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Atomic clocks aboard the ISS provide the precision needed to stay in sync with Earth-based teams, essential for both daily operations and navigation, particularly in missions venturing beyond Earth’s orbit.
The ISS may be far removed from Earth’s natural cycles, but with careful time management and dedication, astronauts are able to thrive, even as they orbit the planet every 90 minutes.
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