In thinking about the life that astronauts lead when they are in space, I wonder about how well they adapt to the day-to-day of existence once they return to gravity-effected earth.
I’ve made a short list of some pros and cons about returning to life on earth after an extended stint on the international space station.
Pros
- Not having to drink recycled piss
- Being able to go for a walk outside without an extensive ‘getting dressed’ session
Cons
- Actually having to walk everywhere and all the time if wanting to change locations
- Not flying
- Not being able to pick up and throw everything
- The standard hum-drum of the office routine
- Not being allowed to throw food at the dinner table
What pros and cons would you add to my list?
6. Not being able to stand for two or three days.
From personal experience that’s the worst.
PRO: Eating fresh food, as everything on the space station is freeze dried.
Mary Roach’s latest book, “Packing for Mars”, takes an amusing look at various aspects of the world’s space programs, and she actually recycled and drank her urine as part of the research for the book.
As a CON: the dull view from your cubicle at NASA versus the the view the ISS would be a major let-down