Keshav Kotamraju
Dec 18, 2023
It's not all about being a brainiac or a daredevil – there's a whole list of must-haves and a pretty intense selection process.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an astronaut?
Let's chat about what it takes!
It's not all about being a brainiac or a daredevil – there's a whole list of must-haves and a pretty intense selection process.
First up, you need some serious smarts, usually in fields like engineering, science, or math. Then, you need some real-world experience – think three years of professional work or logging 1,000 hours as a pilot in command of a jet aircraft. And you can't forget about being fit; you've gotta ace a tough NASA physical.
But that's just the start. Once you're in the running, you're in for some hardcore training. We're talking spacewalks, survival skills, learning to run a spacecraft, and doing all sorts of experiments. It's a long and challenging ride, but if you make it, the payoff is literally out of this world.
Now that we've got a handle on what it takes to get to space, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what astronauts deal with once they're up there among the stars.
Zero gravity gymnastics
Imagine trying to do everything – eating, sleeping, working – while floating around. That's the reality in space! Astronauts have to adapt to zero gravity, which can be disorienting and even cause muscle and bone loss over time. They combat this with daily workouts, but let's be honest, exercising while floating sounds like a workout in itself!
Space suits are like personal mini-spaceships, designed to keep astronauts alive in the harsh environment of space. But they're bulky, heavy (weighing up to 280 pounds on Earth), and not exactly the height of fashion. Moving around in them can be a challenge, and astronauts have to train extensively to get used to their space gear.
It's not Five-Star dining up there!
Space food has come a long way from the early days of toothpaste-like tubes, but it's still no gourmet meal. Astronauts eat dehydrated and pre-packaged food, which they rehydrate with water. Fresh fruits and veggies are a rare treat. So, if you're dreaming of being an astronaut, you might want to lower your culinary expectations!
Isolation
Being in space means being away from family, friends, and all the comforts of home. Astronauts spend months in a confined space with just a few other people. They have to deal with isolation and the psychological challenges that come with it. It's like the ultimate test of being a good roommate!
Sleeping in space
Sleeping in zero gravity means you don't have the comfort of your cozy bed. Astronauts sleep in sleeping bags strapped to the wall or ceiling to avoid floating around. Plus, with 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours, their sleep schedules can get pretty wacky.
All that radiation
Space is filled with radiation that can be harmful to astronauts. Without the Earth's atmosphere to protect them, they're exposed to more cosmic rays and solar radiation. This increases their risk of health issues, so spacecraft are designed to minimize exposure, and missions are planned to limit time in high-radiation areas.
Can you be tidy?
Astronauts have to be tidy – there's no room for clutter in a spacecraft. They also have to manage waste and recycling in a place where you can't just take out the trash. It's like living in a super high-tech, super clean tiny house.
Re-entry and readjustment
Coming back to Earth is a wild ride, and readjusting to gravity can be a challenge. Astronauts often feel dizzy and have to get used to walking again. It's like returning from a long vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things, but way more intense.