Alpha orbits 386 kilometres above Earth. It is home for astronauts. They sleep in special sleeping bags fixed to the walls because there is no gravity. They wash with wet cloths as they cannot have a shower. They eat normal food but do not use salt or pepper because it flies away. Astronauts choose their food months before the trip. They wear Tβshirts and trousers inside the station. When they go outside, they wear special space suits with oxygen for eight hours. Alpha uses solar power and recycles air and water. The space shuttle brings food from Earth.