9 Fascinating Facts About Astronauts

Most of us will never know what it’s like to travel to space, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be interested in those who do. Here are nine fascinating facts about astronauts!

1. How Do Astronauts Sleep In Space?

astronaut floating in space
Photo by Niketh Vellanki on Unsplash

It is not easy for astronauts to sleep in space. They must strap themselves into their sleeping bags, so they don’t float around and bump into things. It is also very dark and quiet in space, making it hard to fall asleep. Sometimes, astronauts take sleeping pills to help them get a good night’s sleep.

2. What Do Astronauts Eat In Space?

Space food has come a long way since the space program’s early days. Astronauts now have a variety of foods to choose from, including fresh fruits and vegetables and pre-packaged and shelf-stable foods.

Most astronauts prefer to eat foods familiar to them, so they often bring items from home with them on their missions. However, some food doesn’t taste the same in space. For example, coffee and tea can taste flat because of the lack of gravity.

Some foods are specifically designed for space travel. These include vacuum-sealed packaging and bite-sized pieces that can be quickly eaten without utensils. Some of these foods come in unique flavors that astronauts can enjoy, like chocolate or vanilla pudding.

Overall, space food has come a long way in recent years. Astronauts now have a wide variety of options, whether they’re looking for something familiar or new.

3. How Do Astronauts Go To The Bathroom In Space?

In space, there is no gravity pulling waste down into a toilet like on Earth, so astronauts have to get creative when it comes to going to the bathroom. They use a device called a Space Toilet that has a fan that sucks the waste away from the body and into a storage tank. The tank can be emptied when the astronaut gets back to Earth.

4. What Is Astronaut Training Like?

exercise for astronauts
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Astronaut training is an intense and grueling process that requires much dedication and commitment. Astronauts must undergo physical and psychological tests to ensure they can withstand the rigors of spaceflight. They must also be proficient in various skills, including piloting, spacewalking, and science.

5. What Medical Tests Do Astronauts Have To Undergo?

When astronauts are in space, they are bombarded with more radiation than we experience on Earth. This increased exposure can cause health problems, so before an astronaut is sent into space, they must undergo a series of medical tests.

Some of the tests that astronauts have to take our hearing tests, vision tests, cardiovascular fitness tests, and bone density tests. They also have to provide blood and urine samples, which are analyzed for abnormalities.

If an astronaut is found to have any health problems that could potentially be aggravated by space travel, they will not be allowed to go on the mission. Astronauts who are given the all-clear will undergo regular medical check-ups while in space to ensure their health is not affected by their environment.

6. How Much Does An Astronaut Suit Cost?

An astronaut suit typically costs between $12,000 and $22,000. However, some more specialized suits can cost upwards of $100,000. The cost of an astronaut suit depends on various factors, including the type of materials used and the level of customization required.

7. What Challenges Do Astronauts Face In Space?

facts about astronauts
Photo by Bradley Dunn on Unsplash

There are many challenges that astronauts face while in space. One of the most significant challenges is radiation exposure. Astronauts are exposed to high radiation levels outside Earth’s atmosphere, which can cause long-term health effects such as cancer. Another challenge is microgravity, which can cause muscle and bone loss and fluid shifts in the body. Additionally, astronauts must deal with the psychological effects of living in close quarters with limited contact with family and friends on Earth.

8. What Research Do Astronauts Conduct In Space?

In space, astronauts conduct all sorts of research. One type of research is material science, where they grow crystals and study how different materials interact in microgravity. They also conduct medical experiments, such as learning how the human body adapts to living in space. Additionally, they perform Earth-observation experiments, keeping an eye out for things like environmental changes or natural disasters. And finally, they conduct physics experiments, like studying how solar flares affect the Earth’s atmosphere.

9. What Are Some Of The Dangers Of Being An Astronaut?

Many dangers are associated with being an astronaut, which vary depending on the specific mission or task the astronaut is undertaking. One of the most obvious dangers is injury or death due to exposure to the extreme conditions of space, including high levels of radiation and microgravity. Other dangers include mechanical failure of spacecraft components, fires or explosions onboard, and collision with meteoroids or other objects in space.

In recent years, there has also been increasing concern over the psychological risks associated with space travel, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These risks are often exacerbated by the long periods of isolation and confinement astronauts experience during missions.

Conclusion

Astronauts are some of the most fascinating people on Earth. They train for years to become experts in their field, and they must maintain their composure in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. Astronauts are true legends; we hope you found these nine facts as fascinating as we did.

Read also: 5 Best Places to Watch The Northern Lights

You might also like
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.