Astronauts in space: Can they eat, tweet, shower, FaceTime, use TikTok or Spotify? Mostly yes

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Real life vs. astronaut life − what's that like?

With the Axiom-2 rocket launch, SpaceX’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, no doubt, the ride there will be a fantastic one. For the four astronauts who will temporarily call the space station home, #AstronautLife is about to get real.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 5:37 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 21, from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, followed by a first-stage booster landing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Landing Zone 1.

The Axiom-2 crew should arrive at the space station a day later via a Dragon capsule. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is commander of Axiom-2 and is joined by private spaceflight participant John Shoffner and government-sponsored Saudi Arabian astronauts Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi. The mission is contracted between NASA and Houston-based Axiom Space.

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We compiled an extreme travel guide comparing real life to astronaut life.

What can astronauts bring to space?

Items astronauts bring with them to space are usually kept private. A PPK or personal preference kit could contain photos, small mementos, personal items to keep astronauts close to family as they prepare for isolation from the crazy, busy, daily life on Earth.

What can’t astronauts bring to space?

Astronauts can’t bring bread and chips or alcohol to space. Bread expands, and chips have the ability to leave crumbs, which would cause problems in space (see below).

Can astronauts shower in space?

Sort of. Astronauts maintain their hygiene via liquid soap, rinseless shampoo and little water. Think of leave-in conditioner or dry shampoo. Or using wet wipes or baby wipes to "freshen up" after spending a long hot day in an Orlando theme park. There are no "traditional" showers on the space station.

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What do astronauts eat in space?

Contrary to popular belief, astronauts have a varied menu. However, the foods we're used to are prepared differently. Something like spaghetti has lots of sauce on Earth. In space, water is required, and the "space spaghetti" would not be as saucy. Think of the "just add water" packets of macaroni and cheese.

According to this NASA article, some foods can be eaten in their natural forms like brownies and fruit. An oven is provided in the space station for a hot meal.

"There are no refrigerators in space, so space food must be stored and prepared properly to avoid spoilage, especially on longer missions. Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, are provided."

Do astronauts eat astronaut ice cream in space?

Yes, sort of. Those who live in Florida, especially the Space Coast, likely tasted or know about astronaut ice cream. It’s part novelty as in it makes a great souvenir or snack, part reality. The flavor of the astronaut ice cream usually is spot-on. The texture is another story (think crunchy meringue cookie), and the ice cream doesn't melt. There’s a lot of variety: astronaut ice cream sandwiches, freeze-dried fruit, a Neopolitan block of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

Astronauts can eat ice cream, but not the drippy, sweet, liquidy version that goes great in a waffle cone.

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What can’t astronauts eat in space?

Foods that are banned from space include salt and pepper, crumbs, (experts cite clogging vents, getting into an astronaut's eyes, nose or throat). There is liquid salt and pepper available, though. No bread (it doesn't have the proper shelf life, so astronauts typically eat tortillas instead).

How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?

Lack of gravity makes going to the bathroom difficult. A space toilet or zero-gravity toilet can be challenging in nature because of the weightless environment. In the absence of weight, the collection and retention of liquid and solid waste must be directed by use of airflow. This TikTok shows ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti (more on her below) explaining the difference between a toilet on Earth and how we go in space.

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Can astronauts exercise in space?

Crew members have to exercise daily to prevent bone and muscle loss. Astronauts typically spend two hours a day working out.

How do astronauts sleep in space?

They use a sleep mask and sleeping bags that are secured.

What do astronauts do for fun in space?

No. 1, you can’t beat the view. Look out the cupola.

Also, it's customary, almost habit, on Earth to check one's phone and spend time scrolling through stories or social feeds. Likewise, in space, astronauts can do this, too.

A lot of astronauts have become social media stars, giving their audience super exclusive content. Follow your favorite astronaut on social media, and you can tell they're having fun documenting #AstronautLife

Can astronauts make phone calls, FaceTime or use Facebook messenger in space?

Astronauts leave their phones at home, but they are able to communicate via internet-connected phones through a computer. So no FaceTime, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger from space, but they can make "phone calls" or video calls.

Can astronauts use Instagram or Twitter in space?

Definitely! Astronauts can post photos to Instagram and send tweets from space. Many have used these social media platforms to document their time in space, giving a peek into what they see and educating their audience about remote life.

Can astronauts use TikTok in space?

In February, the White House moved to ban the popular Chinese-owned social media platform from all government-issued devices, giving federal agencies 30 days to delete the app. Once portrayed as nothing more than a dance app for kids, TikTok is under renewed federal scrutiny over its possible implications for national security, according to USA TODAY.

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NASA has advised its staff not to use TikTok because of a U.S. law barring the space agency from engaging with companies owned by China, according to Vox.

Samantha Cristoforetti, a European Space Agency astronaut, however, did share a TikTok on May 5, 2022, while on board the International Space Station. Cristoforetti is the first person to post on TikTok from space. Her SpaceToks have had millions of views as she documents everything from eating in space to microgravity to relieving oneself.

Can astronauts listen to music or Spotify in space?

Yes, but it works differently in space. Astronauts can't livestream, but prerecorded music, digital downloads, downloaded playlist, CDs or DVDs of a Harry Styles or Taylor Swift concert are OK.

Can astronauts play musical instruments in space?

Yes. There have been many astronauts over the years from different space agencies who have played musical instruments. It started in December 1965, with the crews of Gemini 6 and 7 playing a harmonica and a set of bells. Other instruments played in space include guitars, a soprano saxophone, keyboard and flute − not necessarily all at the same time!

Can astronauts watch Hulu or Netflix in space?

Astronauts can watch pre-recorded TV in space. Livestreaming is not an option. Think of what you do on Earth to prepare for a road trip or airplane ride − many people download movies or shows ahead of time to watch while traveling. It's the same concept in space. Astronauts use physical DVDs to watch TV or their digital downloads.

Contributing: USA TODAY

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: What do astronauts do for sleep, hygiene, exercise, fun in space?