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Text Box: Text Box: The purpose of missions on the space shuttle or on the International Space Station is research oriented. The tasks that astronauts are required to perform during their missions can be divided into four categories: personal hygiene, performing science experiments, releasing/capturing satellites, and constructing/maintaining the ISS. As on Earth, astronauts need to take care of themselves in order to maintain their health and have the energy to do their work. Upon waking, astronauts need to go through a routine of cleaning themselves in special microgravity showers, getting dressed and attending a pre-task conference (where the day's duties are discussed). Astronauts must also eat at the designated meal times and exercise to stay healthy. The space shuttle will carry many science experiments on board that will either be performed by the astronauts either on the shuttle or International Space Station, or experiments controlled remotely by scientists on Earth that have to be monitored. Some current experiments are investigating protein crystals grown in microgravity. The information gathered from these experiments could lend clues as to how safer and more effective medicines could be produced. Other experiments dealing with plants aim to collect information on how life could be sustained in space for long-term missions in space. Such information is crucial to the future development of colonies in space or on Mars. Astronauts have also been performing experiments on themselves in order to understand the effects of weightlessness for extended periods of time on the human body. Astronauts on the space shuttle are often required to release satellites into an orbit around the Earth as well as capturing satellites for repairs. The robotic arm of the space shuttle is used to 'catch' a damaged satellite and bring it into the payload bay of the shuttle. Astronauts suited in the outfits used for space walks can then enter the payload bay and replace damaged parts. Many missions have also dealt with the construction or maintenance of the International Space Station. Sometimes, astronauts are required to conduct EVA's (Extra Vehicular Activities) in order to join certain modules of the space station together or repair any damages. Inside the station, the crew must clean air circulation filter, examine support systems, and update electronic equipment.