Six curiosities about space and astronauts that you didn’t know

Is urine processed on the space station and turned into drinking water?

This is true. In fact, says the astronaut, there is a very common saying in the space industry: “Today’s coffee is tomorrow’s coffee”. Water is an extremely limited resource in space, so as much of it as possible is recycled. Urine, along with sweat and condensation, passes through advanced purification systems that turn it into high-quality drinking water. This process is important for the sustainability of long-duration space missions, such as those on the International Space Station (ISS), because sending water from Earth is very expensive.. NASA estimates that about 93% of liquids consumed on the ISS are recycled..

Is it possible to see the Chinese Wall from space?

False. It is possible through a telescope, but impossible with the naked eye. This is a very common myth, but in fact The Chinese wall is quite narrow and its color harmonizes with its surroundings. making it difficult to distinguish from Earth’s orbit. In fact, ISS astronauts, orbiting at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers, cannot see it with the naked eye. They can observe larger structures with greater contrast.like large illuminated cities or agricultural fields in deserts.

Should all astronauts have perfect vision?

False. Astronauts can be nearsighted, wear glasses, and even undergo laser surgery. Perfect vision is no longer a strict requirement, as it was in the early decades of the space race. Thanks to advances in eye medicine, astronauts who have undergone laser surgery, such as LASIK, may be selected for space missions. NASA and other space agencies allow astronauts to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, expanding the pool of potential candidates. Yes indeed Candidates undergo rigorous testing to ensure that their vision, with or without correction, meets the requirements. needed for missions.

Do astronauts grow up in space?

This is true. It can grow up to ten centimeters because the vertebrae are separated.. In microgravity the spine expands because the pressure on the intervertebral discs decreaseswhich allows the vertebrae to move further apart than normal. This temporary phenomenon can cause astronauts to grow between two and five centimeters (in extreme cases up to ten) while they are in space. However, once they return to Earth and are exposed to gravity again, return to original height. This change in altitude can also cause discomfort, such as back pain, as astronauts adjust to microgravity.

Isn’t it possible to shower in space?

TRUE. Attempts were made to perform a shower, but without success.. Water is a scarce commodity and therefore very valuable. If urine is recycled, it is because of the value that water has to spend on showering. The lack of gravity means water doesn’t flow like it does on Earth, so showering in space isn’t practical.. Initially, several shower systems were tried on Skylab, but they turned out to be too complex, and the water broke out in the form of bubbles that floated everywhere. Currently, astronauts use damp rags or disposable towels soaked in water to clean themselves. Water, as a vital resource, is used extremely carefully and recycled to the maximum.

Do you need pilot experience to become an astronaut?

False. Previously, they were mainly looking for pilots, but Nowadays, scientific or technological education is sufficient.. During the first space flights most astronauts came from the Air Force or Naval Aviationand were selected primarily for their experience piloting aircraft. However, today’s space missions require a more diverse team, with experts in fields such as engineering, biology, physics and medicine. NASA, ESA and other space agencies We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and technical skills.not only with piloting experience, since current missions include research tasks, equipment maintenance and the development of new technologies in space.