I am hardly one to know in detail what goes on up there, but I imagine that they all live by strict schedules, jam packed with having to monitor the health of the spacecraft sub-systems, operate experimental equipment according to the guidelines established by NASA and the ground-based experimenters. They probably get some recreation time, but it must be like trying to rest on a crowded bus. There must be a fair amount of studying technical manuals and keeping close records of air quality, fuel, spacecraft attitude and environmental factors. Also, power consumption. There must be a fair number of daily check lists to go through. Overall, I imagine it to be a very highly scheduled experience where your every waking moment is regulated by the clock. They do get some time off, though, when they can look through the windows at the earth below.
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