Space exploration is one of the riskiest yet most magnificent fields in human history. Becoming an astronaut is not only a matter of prestige but also a serious physical and psychological challenge. Below are some interesting and lesser-known facts about astronauts.
Fact 1. The Profession of Astronaut Is One of the Most Dangerous
In the early years of space programs, being an astronaut was considered one of the most dangerous professions. Despite extensive safety measures, many cosmonauts and astronauts lost their lives during launches, landings, or test missions. However, to date, no astronaut has died directly in open space beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Fact 2. A Customs Declaration for Moon Rocks
After returning to Earth from the Apollo 11 mission, the American astronauts who landed on the Moon were placed in quarantine. In addition, they officially filled out a U.S. customs declaration for the “goods” they brought back — Moon rocks and lunar dust samples. This episode remains a symbolic and fascinating moment in space history.
Fact 3. Daily Life Challenges in Space
Life in space is completely different from life on Earth. During missions, astronauts face several practical limitations:
-
A special “dry shampoo” is used that does not require rinsing with water.
-
Toothpaste is made swallowable, since spitting is not possible in microgravity.
-
Much of the food is consumed from tubes.
Once, as part of an advertising campaign, pizza was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS). The campaign was sponsored by a major pizza chain.
Fact 4. Astronauts Who Spent the Most Time in Space
The world record for the longest cumulative time spent in space belongs to cosmonaut Gennady Padalka — a total of 878 days (more than two years).
The record for the most time spent in open space (outside a spacecraft) belongs to Soviet cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyov — 82 hours and 21 minutes. He also holds the record for the highest number of spacewalks, with 16.
Fact 5. The Effects of Weightlessness on the Human Body
Microgravity has a significant impact on the human body:
-
Bone density decreases, and calcium loss occurs.
-
Muscles weaken and undergo atrophy.
-
Special diets and exercise programs are implemented during long missions.
Interestingly, because the spine stretches in microgravity, astronauts can grow several centimeters taller while in orbit. A person who snores on Earth typically does not snore in space, as microgravity alters the position of the airways.
Fact 6. Historic Figures: Gagarin and Armstrong
Yuri Gagarin was the first human in history to travel into space.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to step onto the surface of another celestial body — the Moon.
Gagarin’s flight caused enormous global excitement. Even during the era of the space race between superpowers, people in the United States responded with admiration and respect.
Fact 7. The First American in Space and a Notable Incident
The first American astronaut in space was Alan Shepard, who conducted a suborbital flight shortly after Gagarin’s mission.
Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, later became involved in a widely publicized incident. At the age of 72, he was confronted by a man who claimed the Moon landing had been faked. After being insulted, Aldrin physically struck the individual. The event highlighted how emotionally charged the topic of space exploration remains.
Fact 8. Muscles and Rehabilitation
In microgravity, muscles rapidly lose strength. To counteract this, astronauts:
-
Perform daily physical exercises
-
Use specialized training equipment
Despite these precautions, extended rehabilitation is often required after returning to Earth.
Fact 9. Adapting Back to Gravity
After spending long periods in orbit, astronauts sometimes instinctively expect objects to float when they return to Earth.
American astronaut Thomas Marshburn once admitted in an interview that after returning home, he accidentally released a glass of water and momentarily forgot that it would fall. After approximately six months aboard the ISS, readjusting to Earth’s gravity takes time.
Fact 10. The First Female Cosmonauts
Most female astronauts have been citizens of the United States and the USSR/Russia. However, China, Italy, Canada, and Japan have also sent women into space.
-
The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova, who was only 26 years old at the time of her flight.
-
The first woman to perform a spacewalk was Svetlana Savitskaya.
Conclusion
The profession of astronaut is extremely complex from technical, physical, and psychological perspectives. Space exploration pushes the limits of the human body and continuously expands our scientific knowledge with each mission.
For humanity, space represents not only discovery but also endurance, discipline, and scientific courage.