astronauts

WTF Fun Fact 13676 – We Can’t Burp in Space

People can’t burp in space.

Now, you might wonder, why on Earth (or rather, off Earth) can’t astronauts do something as simple as burping? It boils down to gravity, or the lack thereof.

Why We Can’t Burp in Space

Here on Earth, gravity does a lot of work for us without us even noticing. When you eat or drink, gravity helps separate the liquid and gas in your stomach. The solids and liquids stay at the bottom, while the gas, being lighter, floats to the top. When there’s enough gas, your body naturally expels it as a burp. Simple, right?

But, take gravity out of the equation, and things get a bit more complicated. In space, there’s no up or down like here on Earth. This means that in an astronaut’s stomach, gas doesn’t rise above the liquid and solid. Instead, everything floats around in a mixed-up blob.

If an astronaut tries to burp, they’re not just going to expel the gas. No, they might bring up some of the liquid and solid matter too. Not exactly pleasant, and definitely something you’d want to avoid.

NASA Burp Training

NASA, being aware of this, actually trains astronauts on how to eat and drink in a way that minimizes the chances of needing to burp. They choose foods that are less likely to produce gas. Also, space food is designed to reduce crumbs and loose particles, which can be a nuisance in microgravity. Even with these precautions, though, the human body can still produce gas, thanks to the digestion process.

So, what happens to all that gas if it can’t come out as a burp? Well, it has to go somewhere. The body adapts in interesting ways. The gas might get absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the lungs. Or it might travel through the digestive tract and leave the body as flatulence. Yes, astronauts can still fart in space, which, without gravity to direct the flow, might be a bit more… interesting.

This isn’t just a quirky fact about space travel; it has real implications for astronaut health and comfort. Gas build-up can cause discomfort, bloating, and even pain. In the confined, zero-gravity environment of a spacecraft, managing these bodily functions becomes crucial for maintaining the well-being and harmony of the crew.

Bodies in Space

It’s funny to think about, but this no-burp scenario highlights a broader point about space travel. Living in space requires us to relearn and adapt basic bodily functions. Everything from sleeping to eating to going to the bathroom is different up there. Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for these challenges, learning how to live in a world without gravity’s guiding hand.

In the grand scheme of things, the inability to burp is just one small part of the vast array of adjustments humans must make to thrive in space. It serves as a reminder of how finely tuned our bodies are to life on Earth, and how much we take for granted the invisible forces that shape our everyday experiences.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Ask an Explainer” — Smithsonian Institution

WTF Fun Fact 13629 – NASA’s Lost Tool Bag

In the vast emptiness of space, a lost tool bag from a NASA spacewalk has become an unlikely stargazer’s delight. On November 9, 2023, the bag became untethered from astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara during repairs on the International Space Station (ISS). Now orbiting Earth, the tool bag presents a unique sighting opportunity, shining bright as a star in the night sky.

Astronomical Mishap to Stargazing Marvel

What began as a minor mishap has evolved into a spectacle for amateur astronomers and curious onlookers alike.

The tool bag, initially following close behind the ISS, has started to lose altitude and drift ahead. Observations on November 11 showed the bag five minutes ahead of the ISS. Predictions suggest it will soon be nearly ten minutes in the lead.

Catching a Glimpse of the Celestial Tool Bag

This orbital oddity offers a new kind of sighting challenge. It can still be spotted with the aid of binoculars, appearing around magnitude +6. Those hoping to witness this sight should plan to observe the trajectory of the ISS, and then shift their gaze ahead of its path. With careful timing, the tool bag will make its journey across the stargazing canvas.

Despite its current visibility, the tool bag’s time in orbit is finite. As it continues to descend, it is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere between March and July of 2024, ultimately disintegrating. This event will mark the end of its accidental journey and remind us of the delicate nature of space operations.

The incident has sparked a renewed conversation about space debris and its implications. While the bag of tools poses no immediate threat, it underscores the broader issue of objects lost in space, highlighting the need for meticulous practices during extravehicular activities.

The Skyward Saga of a Tool Bag

From a practical instrument for space repairs to an object of curiosity circling our planet, the tool bag’s story captivates the imagination.

It serves as a reminder of our reach into space and the traces we leave behind. For now, as it glides silently above, the tool bag offers a fleeting connection to the vastness of space, a tiny beacon reminding us of humanity’s continuous quest beyond Earth’s bounds.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Lost tool bag from spacewalk caught on video” — EarthSky

WTF Fun Fact 13392 – The Scott Kelly Gorilla Suit Prank

We know, we know. You’ve seen the viral posts about Mark Kelly smuggling a gorilla suit onto the International Space Station (ISS). But it turns out the hilarious moment is actually the Scott Kelly gorilla suit prank. Scott is Mark’s twin brother, and they are both astronauts.

Now, if you haven’t heard about this prank, you’re probably very confused right now.

The Scott Kelly gorilla suit prank

In 2016, former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly secretly brought a gorilla suit with him on the mission, keeping it hidden from his fellow crew members. It wasn’t until one day that he decided to surprise his unsuspecting colleague.

Scott Kelly, known for his adventurous spirit and sense of humor, had a playful idea in mind. He understood the importance of camaraderie and lighthearted moments to boost morale in the isolated and demanding environment of space.

After smuggling the gorilla suit onboard, Kelly patiently waited for the perfect moment to execute his prank. He knew that the confined quarters of the ISS would amplify the surprise and make the prank memorable.

Finally, the day arrived when Kelly decided to put his plan into action. He donned the gorilla suit and approached his unsuspecting crew member, who was engrossed in his tasks.

Gorillas in space

Kelly lunged towards his crewmate, letting out a playful roar. The crew member, startled by the sudden appearance of a gorilla in space, jumped in surprise, and his shock quickly turned into laughter.

The crew burst into laughter, with Kelly’s prank providing a much-needed moment of levity. The sight of an astronaut in a gorilla suit floating weightlessly through the spacecraft was undoubtedly unforgettable.

The story of Scott Kelly’s gorilla suit prank spread, capturing the amusement of people on Earth. It showcased the lighter side of life aboard the ISS and reminded us that even in the vastness of space, humor and human connections are vital for well-being.

Of course, the presence of the gorilla suit on the ISS was unauthorized. NASA does not allow astronauts to bring personal items on missions. However, in this case, the harmless nature of the prank and the positive impact it had on the crew’s morale overshadowed any reprimand that Kelly may have received.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Fact Check: Did an Astronaut Smuggle a Gorilla Suit Onto the International Space Station?” — Newsweek

WTF Fun Fact 12729 – Astronaut Life Insurance

We never really thought about astronaut life insurance, but we had hoped that heroic explorers wouldn’t have to worry about their families being taken care of in the event of their untimely demise.

Alas, that was not necessarily the case for Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. They didn’t have life insurance that covered an accident involving a moon landing (or anything related to it).

“It was driven by the fact that, given the nature of the astronauts’ livelihood, they were not able to secure much life insurance,” said Apollo program author Howard C. Weinberger. According to Brandi Dean, spokesperson for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, NASA DID have an insurance program, but it “originally did not cover astronauts when flying—it was considered high risk and experimental.”

There may not have been an eBay marketplace back in 1969, but Neil Armstrong understood the power of celebrity and the value of an autograph. That’s why he suggested they all leave autographed materials behind for their families to sell in case they didn’t return.

Particularly valuable were items called covers, which are envelopes signed and postmarked on important dates.

According to NPR:

“About a month before Apollo 11 was set to launch, the three astronauts entered quarantine. And, during free moments in the following weeks, each of the astronauts signed hundreds of covers.

They gave them to a friend. And on important days — the day of the launch, the day the astronauts landed on the moon — their friend got them to the post office and got them postmarked, and then distributed them to the astronauts’ families.”

While the trio didn’t need to worry about a grim fate after all, the items did start showing up at auctions in the 1990s. An Apollo 11 “insurance autograph” was worth up to $30,000 at the time.  – WTF fun facts

Source: “What The Apollo Astronauts Did For Life Insurance” — NPR