If you’re anything like us sci-fi geeks, you probably spent your childhood dreaming of becoming an astronaut when you grew up. And maybe you still kind of hope to turn that dream into reality someday. However, what you see about space in movies and what happens in reality are two very different things.
#1 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.
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53points
#2 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.
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37points
#3 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.
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35points
If you want to become an astronaut at NASA, you have to:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America;
- Have a master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution, or have a medical degree, or complete a nationally recognized test pilot school program, or spend 2 years working toward a doctoral program in STEM;
- Have a minimum of 3 years of related professional experience after completing your degree. For instance, if you’re a doctor, time in residency can count toward this. Alternatively, if you’re a pilot, you should have 1,000 Pilot-in-Command hours with at least 850 of those hours in high-performance jet aircraft;
- Be able to complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical;
- Have leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
#4 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.
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32points
#5 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.
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.
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31points
#6 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.
31points
According to NASA, new astronauts will “fly farther into space than ever before on lunar missions and may be the first humans to fly on to Mars.”
While there are no age restrictions, typically, astronaut candidates who were selected in the past ranged between the ages of 26 and 46. Their average age was 34. NASA astronauts earned $152,258 per year in 2024.
#7 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.
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.
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28points
#8 The First Meal On The Moon Was An American Staple
Following their historic moonwalk on July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin partook in the first meal ever eaten on the Moon. To mark this momentous occasion, their menu consisted of bacon, peaches, and sugar cookie squares. They also enjoyed a pineapple-grapefruit drink and coffee as part of this unique lunar celebration.
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26points
#9 There Is A Very District Smell In Space
Apparently space has a smell, and it's similar to burned meat.
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25points
According to the European Space Agency, astronauts need to be able to “apply their considerable knowledge and skills to the tasks for which they have been trained; be able to bear tremendous responsibility while in orbit; and be determined to succeed. This is what makes them special.”
They need a high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines and an outstanding professional background in research, application, or education fields. It’s a plus if you have experience with aircraft operations.
Furthermore, astronauts must be in excellent health. “Astronauts have to undergo intensive periods of training and may participate in spaceflights that last for months. During this time, their body will be subject to a great deal of stress and good health and physical endurance are essential.”
#10 Space Food Is Way More High-Tech Than You Think
Food for astronauts in space includes many choices like fruits, meats, and desserts, which are often dried and sealed in special bags. This preparation ensures the food is nutritious and easy to eat without gravity, and astronauts just add water to it before meals. The packaging is also very important to stop small bits or liquids from floating around and causing trouble on the spacecraft.
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23points
#11 Microgravity Can Change The Shape Of Your Heart
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.
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22points
#12 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.
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22points
Something else to consider is how well you’d perform in space. “It is a challenge to live in a confined space for long periods with other people. Among the psychological qualities required are the ability to get on well with other members of the crew, and an affinity for teamwork and adaptability, as the space crew must work well together,” the ESA states.
“Would-be astronauts also need self-control and an equable temperament to cope with stress and any emergency that may arise. On the operational side, an ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and mature judgment will be of great help in performing tasks and optimizing on-orbit routines and procedures.”
And, of course, prospective astronauts will need to spend long periods of time away from home during training and in space. So, you have to be willing to travel long distances and participate in long-duration missions.
#13 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.
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.
22points
#14 Toilet Training Is A Gross But Necessary Part Of Preparation
Using the toilet in space requires specific training because the system relies on vacuum suction rather than gravity. Astronauts use hoses with special funnels for urination, and an internal fan directs waste into a container. For solid waste, a very small opening, only about four inches wide, demands careful aim, making this an essential if unglamorous part of astronaut preparation.
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22points
#15 ‘Astronaut” Has Its Roots In The Greek Language
The term "star sailor" directly reflects the meaning of "astronaut," a word constructed from ancient Greek. Its origins lie in "astron," which means "star," combined with "nautes," the Greek word for "sailor." These two components together describe those who journey among the stars.
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20points
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut, dear Pandas? Do you think you have all the qualities that a good astronaut needs, including a background in science? Do we have anyone in the audience today who has either applied to become an astronaut or actually become one?
We’d love to hear from all of you, no matter if you daydream about space like us or you’re a veteran who’s actually been beyond Earth.
#16 Spacewalks Are Common But Compliated
For safety, astronauts wear special suits (EMUs) and stay connected to their spacecraft with tethers when they work outside. These outings, crucial for tasks like repairs, maintenance, or conducting science experiments, help keep space stations and vehicles functioning. Officially known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), these spacewalks require significant planning and preparation.
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19points
#17 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.
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.
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18points
#18 The International Space Station Isn't Only For NASA
Representing a significant international partnership, the International Space Station (ISS) involves space agencies from the United States (NASA), Russia (Roscosmos), Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA), and Canada (CSA). This orbiting laboratory allows astronauts from these diverse nations to conduct a wide array of scientific experiments in fields such as biology and physics. The ISS stands as a symbol of peaceful cooperation and shared scientific advancement in space exploration.
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18points
#19 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.
17points
#20 Astronauts' Smell And Taste Are Affected
In space, astronauts often find their senses of smell and taste are dulled. This happens because the lack of strong gravity allows bodily fluids to shift upwards towards the head. This fluid redistribution can create a sensation similar to congestion, impacting their ability to fully perceive flavors and aromas.
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17points