Buzz
While we often view space as the ultimate unknown, full of wonders and discovery, it turns out that space shares more similarities with life on Earth than we ever imagined—both the pleasant and the perilous.
10. Space Fishing Is a Thing
Over 500,000 pieces of debris circle Earth, with some traveling at speeds up to 28,000 kilometers (17,500 miles) per hour. Even small objects, the size of a paint chip, can cause significant damage to space equipment. In fact, more than 17,000 space junk pieces are larger than a coffee cup, posing a serious risk to active missions. But the threat doesn't end there. Under certain circumstances, leftover propellant tanks and partially charged batteries from discarded rockets or satellites may even explode.
In response, space agencies have turned to a method as old as time: fishing with nets. “The key advantage of using nets, whether for the e.Deorbit project [a European Space Agency initiative to remove space junk] or other future debris retrieval missions, is their ability to capture a wide variety of shapes and rotational speeds,” explained ESA engineer Kjetil Wormnes.
In preparation for its 2021 e.Deorbit mission, ESA researchers conducted 21 simulated weightlessness flights over two days to test their skill at firing a fishing net from a compressed-air ejector to capture a model satellite. Lightweight nets proved more effective than their thicker counterparts. “The great news is that the nets performed so well we often had to cut them free with a knife before we could launch again,” shared Kjetil Wormnes.
ESA is also considering alternative methods to tackle space debris, including the use of harpoons, ion beams, and robotic arms.
9. ‘To The Moon, Alice!’
In reruns of the classic show The Honeymooners, Ralph Kramden would often shout, “To the Moon, Alice!” when angry with his wife. While that was just a joke in his world, today you can actually send your relatives into space, with a bit of a scientific twist.
In a real-world test of the “twin paradox,” NASA sent astronaut Scott Kelly to the International Space Station for a year while his identical twin, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, remained on Earth. After a year, NASA will compare the twins to observe how space travel may affect health, offering insights into the potential impact of space travel compared to genetics. (This isn’t quite the same as Einstein’s twin paradox, which posits that the spacefaring twin would age more slowly, since the ISS doesn’t travel fast enough for that effect to be noticeable.)
NASA will investigate 10 different ways long-term space missions impact the human body. For example, space travel is expected to weaken Scott's immune system compared to Mark's. By administering flu vaccines to both astronauts, NASA scientists aim to observe how each of their immune systems responds to the vaccine. The team will also examine the length of their telomeres, which are repeating DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes. If Scott’s telomeres are shorter, it could indicate that radiation in space has caused premature aging. Additionally, NASA will monitor changes in their vision, heart rate, sleep patterns, and cognitive function.
A significant limitation of this study is that it involves only one pair of twins. Any findings could be outliers. To draw statistically meaningful conclusions, NASA needs to include more twin pairs in the study. Furthermore, since retired astronaut Mark Kelly has already participated in space missions, his body might already reflect the long-term effects of space travel.
8. Start Your Day with Espresso in Space
If you can’t start your day without a cup of coffee, don’t worry—there’s a solution. Two Italian companies have created the ISSpresso to solve the problem of zero gravity. Normally, a coffee machine uses gravity to drip water through ground coffee into a cup, but in space, the coffee droplets would simply float away. This could be hazardous, as the liquid might damage astronauts or equipment, especially when making espresso, which requires water heated to 94°C (201°F).
On Earth, the ISSpresso weighs 20 kilograms (44 pounds), but in space, weight isn’t a concern. The extra mass comes from safety features, like a durable all-steel construction to withstand high pressure. Water circulates through the machine before being funneled into a plastic pouch. In space, astronauts drink their espresso using a straw, but the company guarantees the flavor is just as good as what you would find on Earth. The machine can make espresso, black coffee, tea, and broths.
7. Heading Up?
If the idea of soaring into space doesn’t appeal to you, NASA, Europe, Japan, Russia, and other countries are working on a space elevator.
The main challenge now is developing a cable or ribbon that can stretch 35,400 kilometers (22,000 miles), strong enough to lift both people and payloads from Earth to space, yet light enough to do so. Recently, scientists from Penn State University created a revolutionary ultra-thin ‘diamond nanothread,’ which may have the necessary qualities. “One of our most ambitious goals for these nanomaterials is that they could be used to create super-strong, lightweight cables that might enable the construction of a space elevator—a concept that’s only ever existed in science fiction,” explained Penn State professor John Badding. However, they haven’t yet been able to create it in the required size.
Until a space elevator is possible, you might want to consider riding a massive balloon to the edge of space as early as 2016. In February 2015, World View successfully tested a flight where a balloon was attached to a parafoil (a large parachute). It flew higher than ever before. “The success of this flight advances our two primary goals—manned spaceflight and research,” said Taber MacCallum, World View’s chief technology officer. “This achievement moves us closer to safely sending private citizens to the edge of space, while also providing valuable access for research and education in near-space.” The ride will cost $75,000.
6. Get Ready for Your Pooper Scooper
Typically, human waste is stored on a spacecraft until it is incinerated in space cargo vehicles during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. However, if astronauts are stationed on an asteroid or planet for an extended mission, the waste could accumulate and become quite heavy for the return journey. Leaving it behind on an asteroid or planet is not a viable solution. A similar challenge arises with the need to carry sufficient fuel for the journey home after launching from Earth.
Scientists began to explore the possibility of converting human waste into fuel. Successfully doing so would address two issues at once: spacecraft would carry less fuel for the trip from Earth, as space waste could contribute to the fuel needed for the return trip, and they would avoid transporting excess waste on the way back to Earth.
NASA approached researchers from the University of Florida to solve this problem, especially when considering plans for a lunar base. The Florida team developed an anaerobic digestion process to convert food packaging, human waste, and leftover food into methane fuel. This method would also eliminate any harmful pathogens in the waste products.
Researchers have estimated that each crew would produce 290 liters (77 gallons) of methane per day. In addition to methane, carbon dioxide and approximately 800 liters (200 gallons) of undrinkable water would also be produced annually. However, this water could be further separated into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen would be vital for life support, while the carbon dioxide and hydrogen could be converted back into methane and water. This fuel conversion technology may eventually find applications on Earth as well.
5. Stay Connected With The Internet and Social Media
Currently, there are regions on Earth without access to the Internet, making the idea of browsing the web from space seem unlikely, particularly when traveling to Mars. However, this could soon change.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform how we access the Internet. He proposes a network of communication satellites orbiting just 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) above Earth, far closer than the typical 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles). This setup would enable far faster Internet speeds than those provided by fiber optic networks, as signals would travel at the speed of light, bouncing off just a few satellites before reaching their destination. Currently, data must pass through numerous data centers before reaching you. This new system could also provide Internet access to underserved areas with low populations.
Musk envisions his satellite system as a foundation for bringing the Internet to space, including Mars. “It will be essential for Mars to have a global communications network,” Musk said. “I believe this is something that needs to happen, and I don't see anyone else working on it.”
While we wait for the future, we can look to astronauts like Chris Hadfield and Samantha Cristoforetti, who are masters of social media even while in space. Hadfield became famous for his YouTube videos, particularly his rendition of David Bowie’s 'Space Oddity,' as well as his 'tweets from space,' including one famous exchange with actor William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk in the original 'Star Trek.' Cristoforetti is no slouch in the social media department either. She regularly shares stunning images of Earth from the International Space Station, often posting a new photo each night. She even uploaded a video of herself exercising. In a nod to Hadfield, she donned a 'Star Trek' uniform while receiving her ISSpresso on the space station.
4. Stay In Your Lane
In the early 2000s, NASA’s Martin Lo started mapping what he called the Interplanetary Superhighway. This digital map charts paths and tunnels through our solar system, offering spacecraft the most fuel-efficient routes. Often, missions use planetary flybys to gain a gravity assist, much like a slingshot, to boost the spacecraft’s speed. The interplanetary superhighway goes even further, taking advantage of the gravitational interactions between different celestial bodies. Rather than just planets pulling on spacecraft, the Sun affects the planets and their moons as well. In certain locations, these forces balance out, creating paths where spacecraft can travel using minimal fuel.
Each planet and moon has five specific regions known as Lagrange points. Lo mapped out the pathways connecting these points to make space travel more efficient. In the future, we may be able to establish stations or permanent bases along this interplanetary superhighway to offer supplies and perform repairs for spacecraft traveling through space.
3. Always Watch Your Back
In 1959, NASA engineers faced challenges when designing a lightweight space capsule for launch. One suggestion was that women astronauts could be the solution, as they generally weighed less than men. Research from World War II, specifically on Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), showed that women were better able to handle extreme conditions such as cold, heat, isolation, monotony, and pain. This led Dr. William Lovelace II, who was responsible for testing male astronauts, and Air Force Brigadier General Donald Flickinger to explore the potential for women to become astronauts.
Jerrie Cobb, a highly skilled pilot, was the first woman invited to join the astronaut program. When NASA declined, Jackie Cochran, a well-known WASP, decided to fund the testing of 19 more women pilots at the Lovelace Foundation. Cochran, who had long aspired to be the first woman in space, was unfortunately too old. Despite this, she became a staunch advocate for the women’s training program, having passionately fought for equal rights for WASPs during World War II.
Ultimately, 13 of the 20 women in the program, known as the “Mercury 13,” passed NASA’s tough physical exams, even outperforming many men. Just as they were preparing for advanced testing at the Naval School of Aviation Medicine in Florida, they received telegrams canceling the program. Despite their efforts to revive the project, a Congressional subcommittee was convened to address the situation.
While NASA officially claimed that the women weren’t military pilots—a role that wasn’t accessible to women at the time—the hearing quickly descended into sexist remarks and jokes from the men involved. The most surprising betrayal came from Jackie Cochran herself. She testified that women weren’t needed in the space program, arguing that there were enough qualified men. “You are going to have to, of necessity, waste a great deal of money when you take a large group of women in, because you lose them through marriage,” she said. “Even if we are second in getting a woman into the new environment, it’s better than to take a chance on having women fall flat on their faces.”
Although the Mercury 13 were denied entry into the space program, Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman to travel into space in 1963, just a year later.
2. Experience the Drama of Reality TV
By 2025, the Mars One initiative plans to send four colonists to Mars, where they’ll remain for the rest of their lives—likely because there will be no way to bring them back, assuming they don’t perish during the journey. As part of the funding plan, these colonists are expected to star in a reality TV show broadcast back to Earth. Future launches will bring more settlers to join the first group as feasible.
Conceived by Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp, Mars One recently revealed that the pool of candidates has been narrowed down to 100, out of the original 200,000 applicants. Norbert Kraft of Mars One led online interviews to assess each candidate's motivation, teamwork abilities, and awareness of the mission’s risks. Robotic missions will be sent first to prepare the habitat modules for the settlers.
According to an MIT study, if the first group of colonists survives the journey, they’re likely to die within three months of landing on Mars due to a lack of food, oxygen, or spare parts. Many of the technologies required for survival are still in development. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has been advising the candidates to ask tough questions now about the technical details. “How does a space suit on Mars work? Show me how it’s pressurized, and how it’s cooled. What’s the glove design?” he asked. “None of that stuff can be bought off the rack. It does not exist. You can’t just go to SpaceMart and buy those things.”
Other concerning revelations have emerged. For instance, the companies initially contracted for the robotic missions are no longer working with Mars One. Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) announced that they couldn’t agree on the specifics of the reality show’s production and have since withdrawn. Lansdorp confirmed this on his website while addressing criticisms of the Mars One project. He also emphasized that the selection process for candidates would be more thorough going forward. A new production company has been hired for the reality TV show, though no broadcast agreement is in place yet. Lansdorp also defended the project’s $6 billion budget, asserting that investment funds will cover most of the cost. Regardless of what happens, there's bound to be plenty of drama, with or without the reality TV aspect.
1. When You Need More Than A Hug
Space exploration presents not only physical challenges for astronauts but mental ones as well. We’ve discussed potential alcohol abuse among astronauts, as well as psychological difficulties, such as the time when the Skylab 4 crew grew frustrated with mission control and shut off communication with NASA for a full day. But what if a crew member experiences a serious mental breakdown while in space, potentially becoming suicidal or even violent?
NASA has developed protocols to address such extreme situations, including scenarios where an astronaut may try to sabotage the crew’s oxygen supply or open the hatch with the intention of harming everyone. In these cases, NASA instructs the remaining crew members to restrain the unstable astronaut by binding their ankles and wrists with duct tape, then securing them with a bungee cord. If necessary, they may administer tranquilizers to calm the individual. “Talk to the patient while restraining them,” the guidelines recommend. “Explain that the restraint is to ensure their safety.”
Following these procedures, NASA and the flight commander will evaluate the next steps on a case-by-case basis. In the most severe circumstances, they may abort the mission and return to Earth. On the space station, the troubled astronaut would be sent back on the next available flight. No firearms are kept in space because a bullet could puncture the spacecraft or station, endangering everyone on board. At the time these procedures were written, there were no stun guns or similar weapons available either.
