The artificial satellite in low-Earth orbit is a joint project between NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA. It serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and other fields. Maintaining an orbit 250 miles above Earth’s altitude, the satellite surely feels like a lonely place for astronauts, especially at Christmas.
However, tech tyrant Musk sent a surprise package in 2018 to put a smile on the faces of the space travellers who were missing home.
A care package was sent by SpaceX’s Dragon capsule and was received by Commander Alexander Gerst.
Inside the three-strong team found smoked turkey, a green bean casserole, candied yams, cranberry sauce and fruitcake.
In addition to the food, the Dragon delivered 40 mice and 36,000 worms for a science experiment and more than 5,000 pounds of other station equipment.
The @SpaceX #Dragon blasted off today at 1:16pm
International Space Station
A first attempt at delivery failed due to difficulties with communications equipment, causing the Dragon to be too far away from the arm for it to capture the payload.
However, the second attempt was a success.
Mr Gerst used the ISS’s giant robotic arm to grab the cargo and bring it on board.
Writing on Twitter, the official International Space Station’s account wrote: “The @SpaceX #Dragon blasted off today at 1:16pm ET on a three-day ride to the space station.
“The cargo craft will deliver over 5,600 pounds of science, supplies and hardware to the crew when it arrives.”
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The rocket’s booster also missed the landing zone on the way back to Earth.
Musk said on Twitter: “Grid fin hydraulic pump stalled, so Falcon landed just out to sea. Appears to be undamaged and is transmitting data.
“Recovery ship dispatched.”
Over the years, astronauts have dressed up in Santa hats, decorate the ISS with a small Christmas tree and stockings, and enjoy a Christmas dinner.
NASA says that family members also pack “psychological support kits,” or goodie bags sent from home.
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Kits may be full of videos, games and books but they can also contain chocolate bars and other treats that make it easier to be away from home over the holidays.
The space station has housed astronauts every Christmas since 2000; crew members are afforded time off to celebrate the holiday each year.
Much of the menu is made up of vacuum-packed, dehydrated food, which is prepared by adding water and heat in space.
They use a space food rehydration, which uses water left over as a by-product of the space station’s fuel cells.
Astronauts can also enjoy condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard, as well as salt and pepper.
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