NASA's astronauts currently work as scientists on the International Space Station—a laboratory that orbits Earth approximately 240 miles above the planet's surface. Astronauts on the station conduct scientific experiments such as innovative cancer research and research on the human body and living in space.

What kind of scientists go to space?

Astronomers observe objects within the universe, including planets, stars, and galaxies. They may rely on earth-based equipment, such as telescopes, or on space-based equipment, such as probes, to collect data on celestial bodies.

How do scientists travel to space?

While the exploration of space is carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, its physical exploration though is conducted both by unmanned robotic space probes and human spaceflight. Space exploration, like its classical form astronomy, is one of the main sources for space science.