Ask an Explainer

The problem with living and working in space is that you're in constant freefall, and every one of your actions has consequences. Newton's third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In the microgravity environment of space, you see this first hand.  

Even an action as simple as buttering toast would push you in the opposite direction that you are pushing your knife. Every single one of your actions has a strong reaction, pushing you in the opposite direction. Which means that astronauts actually have to strap themselves in to do basic tasks... like going to the bathroom!