A Day in the Life of an ISS Tourist: What to Expect in 2026
Morning Routine: Waking Up in Space
As dawn breaks in the serenity of space, space tourists aboard the International Space Station (ISS) wake to the gentle hum of life support systems. Aboard the ISS, the absence of a traditional night and day cycle means that astronauts and tourists rely on pre-set schedules to maintain a sense of routine. The time is dictated by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to synchronize with the Earth below.
After donning their specially designed space suits, ISS tourists begin their day with a breakfast that mirrors the space-inspired culinary innovations of the 21st century. Expect rehydrated fruit, scrambled eggs, and perhaps a cup of specially processed coffee, all served in modified containers that reduce floating food particles. Eating in microgravity is an adventure of its own, and tourists will need to master the art of handling their meals, often strapping food bags to the table to keep everything in place.
Morning Activities: Orbital Views and Science Experiments
Once breakfast is finished, the tourists are invited to join crew members for the morning briefing. During this time, tourists learn about the day’s schedule, which includes planned activities ranging from educational sessions to immersive experiences that showcase life aboard the ISS. Travelers can expect to partake in experiments related to biotechnology, materials science, or fluid dynamics. These hands-on opportunities allow guests to contribute to cutting-edge research while gaining insights into the unique challenges posed by microgravity.
With Earth’s breathtaking views available through ISS windows, tourists will often find themselves documenting their morning experience. Cameras, already prepped for zero-gravity conditions, make it easy for guests to capture awe-inspiring images of both the planet below and the vastness of space. Instagram stories featuring the vibrant blue of Earth, swirling cloud patterns, and city lights at night promise to be viral hits, transforming space travel into a shareable adventure.
Midday Adventures: Space Walks and Scientific Collaborations
Midday activities may vary widely based on personal interests. Some tourists may opt for a spacewalk—an exhilarating experience that allows them to step outside the station and float above Earth, tethered carefully to the ISS. This extraordinary journey takes place with the assistance of trained crew members, who provide safety guidance and ensure the necessary equipment is securely worn.
For those preferring indoor experiences, interactive workshops hosted by astronauts and specialists from organizations like SpaceX or Blue Origin offer in-depth conversations about life in orbit. These sessions may include live demonstrations of how to conduct scientific experiments or the physiology of the human body in space. These insights often provoke intense curiosity and questions from eager tourists.
Afternoon Retreats: Leisure Activities in Orbit
After an action-packed morning, tourists are encouraged to unwind during the afternoon. Relaxation in the serene, weightless atmosphere provides remarkable opportunities for leisure activities. Whether it’s floating leisurely with a book — often a space-themed novel or a collection of stunning photographs of the universe — or experimenting with spacesuits in the iconic cupola room that features panoramic views of Earth, there’s no shortage of enriching experiences.
Most tourists find joy in simple pleasures, like playing zero-gravity games or engaging in creative projects, such as creating their own floating art installations. This period is essential for mental health, allowing tourists to revel in the uniqueness of their surroundings while fostering camaraderie among fellow passengers and astronauts.
Evening Engagements: Dinner and Stargazing
As the day winds down, tourists prepare for dinner, which is a thoughtful assembly of gourmet dishes designed specifically for space travel, ensuring a blend of taste and nutrition. Dinner often includes options like savory pasta, spice-infused tacos, or familiar comfort food—all modified for zero gravity. Tours of the galley, where food is packaged and prepared, may intrigue guests with insights into how meals are created for long-duration missions.
Post-dinner, the station’s team may host a stargazing event on the cupola or through strategically placed windows around the station. ISS tourists are treated to a cosmic spectacle of stars, planets, and celestial wonders—an experience not only awe-inspiring but also deeply reflective. Together, they gaze at the universe, contemplating the vastness beyond Earth and the fragile beauty of the planet they call home.
Nighttime Sojourns: Documenting the Journey
As the evening turns to night within the confines of the ISS, tourists are invited to document their experiences. Whether writing journals that detail personal reflections, recording video diaries, or uploading images to social media, this time is crucial for preserving memories of an extraordinary adventure. Many tourists also partake in group discussions with crew members, sharing reflections on their journey, answered questions about space exploration, and dreams for the future of human life beyond Earth.
Tourists can share stories about their favorite moments, swap new friendships, and bond over shared experiences that will last a lifetime. Experienced astronauts often recount their personal stories, recounting life before a career in space, creating lasting connections that transcend the confines of physical and temporal boundaries.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Home
As another day comes to a close aboard the ISS, the structure and routine, along with a wealth of experiences, come together to create an unforgettable journey. While the awe of space exploration will linger in their minds long after returning to Earth, the relationships formed and the global perspective gained will likely influence tourists’ lives in profound ways.
By 2026, as commercial space travel becomes more commonplace, the experience of a day in the life of an ISS tourist will be enriched by technological advancements, a diversity of activities, and further developments in the immersive tourism experience that shape and define the future of travel.
