Orbital follows six astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station during one single day in orbit around Earth. In 24 hours, they witness 16 sunrises and sunsets while carrying out routine scientific tasks in a confined, weightless environment.
The novel is not driven by plot, but by reflection. Each character quietly thinks about life on Earth—family, memories, grief, and the fragility of human existence. One astronaut is especially affected by the recent death of his mother back home.
As they observe Earth from space, they become increasingly aware of both its beauty and its vulnerability, especially in relation to human impact and environmental change.