Stranded astronauts say space is 'happy place' - but admit 'tough times'

Floating in zero gravity for months on end might sound like a dream come true for space enthusiasts, but astronauts who have spent extended periods of time on the International Space Station (ISS) say that while there are many amazing aspects to life in space, there are also some tough times.

In a recent interview with the BBC, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS, said that while he loved his time in space, there were definitely some challenges.

"The hardest part was being away from my family," Kelly said. "I missed my wife and kids a lot, and it was tough not being able to see them for so long."

Another challenge for Kelly was the lack of privacy on the ISS. "There's nowhere to go to be alone," he said. "You're always surrounded by other people, and that can be a bit overwhelming at times."

Despite the challenges, Kelly said that he would do it all again in a heartbeat.

"Space is an amazing place," he said. "It's a place of beauty and wonder, and it's a place where you can learn a lot about yourself and about the world around you."

Kelly is not the only astronaut who has spoken about the challenges of living in space. In her book "Packing for Mars," astronaut Mary Roach writes about the psychological and physical challenges that astronauts face during long-duration space missions.

Roach writes about how astronauts can experience loneliness, isolation, and depression during their time in space. She also writes about the physical challenges of living in zero gravity, such as bone loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid shifts.

Despite the challenges, Roach says that space is a "happy place" for many astronauts. She writes about how astronauts are often inspired by the beauty of space and by the opportunity to explore the unknown.

So, what is it really like to live in space? It's a question that only a handful of people can truly answer. But from the accounts of astronauts like Scott Kelly and Mary Roach, it's clear that living in space is both a challenging and rewarding experience.