Many of us grew up dreaming about becoming an astronaut—floating weightlessly, gazing down at Earth, and exploring the vastness of space.
But what we don’t often picture is the reality of being crammed into a tiny spacecraft, squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder with two other astronauts in full space suits, unable to move freely for hours.
In a striking European Space Agency (ESA) image, three astronauts sit in exactly that position—tight, confined, and uncomfortable.
And yet, they seem to be having a great time.
On the left is ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, in the middle is Roscosmos cosmonaut Max Suraev, and on the right is NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman.
The image was taken around November 3rd, during a critical leak check of their Sokol suits and the Soyuz spacecraft that would bring them home.
Despite the tight quarters, Gerst sounded upbeat, commenting on the image:
“R-5: Leak check passed. The Soyuz TMA-13M crew is ready for the flight home after a very successful ISS Expedition.”
Just a week later, on November 10th, the trio hurtled back to Earth in this same position—an experience few will ever understand.
But what’s it really like to travel in a spacecraft this cramped?
And why, despite the discomfort, do astronauts still describe it as one of the most incredible experiences of their lives?
The Brutal Reality of Spacecraft Interiors
When you picture a spaceship, you might imagine the Enterprise from Star Trek—spacious, sleek, and futuristic.
The reality?
A Soyuz capsule has about as much space as the inside of a compact car.
The Soyuz spacecraft, which has been ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) since the early 2000s, has an interior volume of just 2.5 cubic meters (88 cubic feet).
That’s smaller than the trunk of an SUV—and it has to fit three fully suited astronauts, their supplies, and critical spacecraft controls.
How Tight Is It?
- Imagine sitting in the back seat of a small car for six hours—wearing a bulky spacesuit, strapped in tightly, unable to stretch your legs.
- You can’t just get up to use the bathroom—astronauts wear maximum absorbency garments (yes, diapers) in case nature calls.
- Every inch of space is designed for function, not comfort—there’s no reclining, no room for personal space, and barely any ability to adjust your position.
And yet, astronauts love it.
Astronauts Don’t Mind Being Uncomfortable
Most people assume that astronauts endure these cramped conditions because they have to.
But the reality is more surprising: they don’t just tolerate it—they embrace it.
You might think that after months aboard the relatively spacious ISS, astronauts would dread the journey back in such a confined space.
Instead, many describe it as one of the most thrilling parts of their mission.
One reason? Re-entry is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous experiences in human spaceflight.
The Terrifying Ride Home
The return to Earth in a Soyuz capsule is nothing short of violent.
After detaching from the ISS, the spacecraft begins a high-speed descent through the atmosphere, reaching speeds of 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph).
As it plunges towards Earth, intense friction heats the exterior to over 1,600°C (2,900°F)—hotter than molten lava.
Inside, astronauts feel the crushing effects of g-forces reaching 4 to 5 times Earth’s gravity.
That means a 75 kg (165 lb) astronaut suddenly feels like they weigh 300 kg (660 lb).
Despite the intense shaking, fiery descent, and the knowledge that every re-entry carries some risk, astronauts describe this moment as pure adrenaline.
NASA astronaut Terry Virts once said of his re-entry:
“It felt like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel that was on fire… but it was awesome.”
Why Do Astronauts Keep Signing Up for This?
If space travel is this uncomfortable, why do astronauts keep doing it?
The answer lies in the thrill of exploration, the privilege of seeing Earth from space, and the camaraderie of the mission.
For many, the view from space makes every discomfort worth it.
Seeing the curvature of Earth, watching lightning storms from above, and witnessing sunrises that happen every 90 minutes is an experience unlike anything else.
Even in the cramped Soyuz, astronauts look out the tiny window and see something most humans never will: the planet they call home, from the vastness of space.
Will It Get More Comfortable?
As NASA, SpaceX, and other agencies push towards deep-space travel, engineers are designing spacecraft with more comfort in mind.
- SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has more legroom and touchscreen controls, making it a step up from Soyuz.
- NASA’s Orion capsule, designed for future Moon and Mars missions, will offer more space and better amenities.
- The Starship spacecraft, being developed by SpaceX for Mars missions, is expected to be roomy enough for long-haul travel.
But no matter how much space travel evolves, one thing is certain: astronauts will always have to endure discomfort for the privilege of leaving Earth.
The Price of Exploration
From the outside, space travel looks glamorous and futuristic. But the reality? It’s cramped, uncomfortable, and incredibly challenging.
Yet, for astronauts like Alexander Gerst, Max Suraev, and Reid Wiseman, the experience is worth every hardship.
Even as they sat squeezed into their tiny Soyuz capsule, checking for leaks, preparing for re-entry, they still found a way to smile.
Because for those who dream of reaching the stars, the cramped seats, rough landings, and long hours in space suits are all just part of the adventure.
What do you think?
Would you endure these conditions for a chance to go to space? Let’s discuss in the comments!
(Source: ESA)
