Performing everyday tasks like shaving and brushing one’s teeth poses a number of challenges in zero gravity. At a recent visit from NASA Astronaut Mike Hopkins, Inn families heard not only about how the astronauts shaved in space, but how they brushed their teeth, drank coffee, and how they kept clean without being able to take a shower for several months. They learned about what the food is like on the space station (lots of dehydrated burritos and macaroni and cheese, and no fresh fruits or vegetables), and how easy it is to lose things when you lack an “up and down” orientation. Hopkins also talked about the biomedical research they do while in space—learning how to prevent bone loss during extended space travel can help shed light on preventing bone loss among elderly people here on earth.

“We are looking forward to more astronaut visits,” says Laura King, The Inn’s Director of Volunteers and Community Outreach. “We also have a range of other activities planned, including an outdoor lighting ‘shooting stars’ display during the holiday season, a NASA star-gazing activity using telescopes, science and space-related educational activities at Camp INNcredible, and guided tours for our families of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the National Air and Space Museum.”

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