The Record For The Most Time In Space By A NASA Astronaut Is Held By A Woman
With a total of 665 days accumulated over several missions, American astronaut Peggy Whitson holds the NASA record for the most time spent in space. Her extensive experience and scientific work have established her as a notable figure in space exploration. This remarkable achievement highlights her dedication to the field.
A Lot Of Astronaut Training Is Done In The Water
A key part of preparing for space involves extensive underwater training, which allows astronauts to experience simulated weightlessness; therefore, early scuba certification is essential. Within facilities like NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, trainees don full spacesuits to practice mission-specific tasks, always under the watchful eyes of safety divers. This aquatic work is a component of the demanding overall training regimen faced by the few candidates chosen from many hopefuls, which also includes initial water survival assessments.
There Is A Very District Smell In Space
Apparently space has a smell, and it's similar to burned meat.
The Skylab 4 Astronauts Went On “Strike”
The astronauts aboard Skylab 4 went on “strike” for a day because they felt overwhelmed by the demands of Mission Control. They used the time to look out the window and think.
Diapers Are Part Of Astronaut Life
During space missions, individuals use what is officially termed a "Maximum Absorbency Garment" when access to standard toilet facilities is not possible. This absorbent undergarment, essentially an adult diaper, is a practical solution for managing bodily functions during unpredictable situations or lengthy delays. The inability to simply unbuckle for a restroom break at critical times makes such a garment necessary for astronauts.
You Must Be Able To Speak Russian On The ISS
Proficiency in Russian is essential for astronauts assigned to the International Space Station (ISS) to ensure effective communication and operation of systems across its distinct US and Russian segments. Given that crews also travel to and from the station using the Russian Soyuz rocket, understanding the language is very practical. While not every astronaut learns Russian, it is a key requirement for those undertaking ISS missions, and some astronauts opt to learn it even if not directly assigned to such a mission.
You Age Slower When In Space Than On Earth
A consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity is that astronauts in space experience time, and therefore aging, slightly differently than people on Earth. This occurs because massive objects like planets warp space-time with their gravity, causing time to pass at different rates depending on proximity to that gravitational force. For those aboard the International Space Station, this means they age a tiny fraction of a second slower, illustrating how time is not absolute.
Astronauts Can Get A Little Taller In Space
Astronauts can experience a temporary increase in height, sometimes up to 3%, while in space due to the microgravity environment. This phenomenon occurs because the spinal disks, which are compressed by gravity on Earth, expand when that gravitational force is significantly reduced. Upon returning to Earth, it typically takes a few months for an astronaut's height to revert to its original measurement as gravity reasserts its compressive effect.
Sleeping On A Spacecraft Is A Science Too
To prevent waking up oxygen-deprived and gasping for air, astronauts need good airflow around them as they sleep. Without sufficient ventilation, a bubble of their own exhaled carbon dioxide can accumulate around their heads. Ensuring proper air circulation is therefore important for astronaut safety during rest periods in space.
Microgravity can cause an astronaut's heart to become more spherical, a temporary change that reverts after returning to Earth. This alteration in shape is thought to indicate that the heart operates less efficiently in space. Scientists monitor this because extended periods in microgravity, despite the heart returning to normal, may still lead to future heart issues.
Space Gloves Can Cause Their Fingernails To Fall Off
The design of an astronaut's space gloves, which are heavy and bulky, can unfortunately lead to their fingernails falling off over time. This happens because the gloves put a lot of pressure on the fingers and can reduce or even stop blood circulation, sometimes causing blisters first. As a preventative measure against this painful issue and potential infection, some astronauts have chosen to remove their fingernails before embarking on space missions.
Astronauts Experience More Than A Dozen Sunrises A Day
Due to the fact it only takes the ISS roughly 90 minutes to fully orbit the Earth, astronauts on board are treated to a sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes. As you can imagine, this can make trying to get a decent night's sleep quite difficult, especially with the sun frequently popping back into view. An astronaut is expected to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep, but when you have 45 minutes of light followed by 45 minutes of dark, this easily disrupts an astronaut's natural day and night cycle! To try and get around this, the ISS has its lights turned up to full brightness for roughly 15-16 hours and then those lights at dimmed for between 8-9 hours when it’s time to sleep and rest.
Astronauts Learn To Survive In All Kinds Of Environments
Because astronauts might face off-course landings in challenging terrains after returning from space, or encounter equipment failures in orbit, extensive wilderness survival training is standard. Space agencies worldwide ensure their crews are prepared by conducting this training in diverse environments, from deserts and jungles to frigid forests, sometimes with guidance from military survival experts. These programs involve practicing essential skills like first aid, using emergency supply kits, and responding to simulated emergencies, ensuring astronauts are ready for a variety of hazardous situations.
It Can Take Years Before They Get To Go To Space
Even after completing extensive training, astronauts may not travel to space for several years, sometimes working on ground-based projects like engineering support during this waiting period. For example, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger had a four-year gap and Christer Fuglesang waited 14 years for their first missions following their initial and specialized instruction. This pre-assignment phase ensures astronauts remain active in their space program while anticipating their flight.
It Can Be Harder For Astronauts To See In Space
During space missions, astronauts can experience changes to their eyesight. This phenomenon is often linked to increased pressure inside the skull, a condition known as intracranial pressure. These vision issues are a notable physiological effect observed in individuals working in microgravity.
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#7 *One ages more slowly*.
#20 How in tf is that an American staple? Bacon, peaches, and sugar cookies: I can say without hesitation that I have never eaten that combination of things for any meal. And who in tf would drink pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, and coffee? Why not take it all the way and just have a big old glass of battery acid, paint thinner, and kerosine.