After long missions in space, what are the most funny things you've done back on Earth because you've grown accustomed to doing them in space?

After being back for about 4 or 5 hours, I asked for a diet coke. After drinking it, I thought I'd throw the empty can away - into a garbage can about 5 feet away, I "tossed" the can toward the garbage can - and it probably only made it 2 inches toward the garbage can. My internal model of the gravity vector was completely wrong! @astro_tani

I let go of a cup of water thinking it would float, but it didn't. Good thing it was plastic. @Astro_127

It really blows my mind that our bodies seem to just work in zero gravity. Besides that, what sort of things are surprisingly difficult in space?

Changing your socks! Since we usually hold ourselves "down" with our feet (by sliding them under a mis-named "handrail"), and changing your socks requires both feet AND 4 loose items (socks), it can be comical to change your socks! @Astro_Tani

I do agree, though, that its is mind-blowing that the human body works without gravity. Who would know that it's possible to drink water without gravity - how does it move to the stomach? All your internal organs are now floating in your body - how do they still work? Before I flew, I wondered it I would feel the same urge to urinate - doesn't that seem to be a gravity-dependent sensor? (it isn't - you feel the same urge as on the ground). @Astro_Tani

Agree with the socks and stretching, but this is a really good question because as @Astro_Tani noted it's really amazing how well our bodies function and adapt in zero-g. I remember John Glenn once saying that doctors couldn't tell him if he would be able to see anything due to microgravity changing the shape of his eyeballs. But what turns out to be amazing is not what doesn't work or is hard in microgravity but rather how well everything does work up there. But one thing that I found difficult was folding. Folding clothes was really tough without being able to lie things down. Then again, as my wife would tell you, I'm lousy about folding my clothes on Earth too. @astro_g_dogg

Yoga! Or just stretching for that matter. It seems most of the stretches we do incorporate gravity, so you had to get creative to stretch. And I'm not very flexible to begin with and if you add in that I didn't move my core and legs much except when I would work out - they just went to a "relaxed" position - I became really tight. So much so, like @Astro_Tani, I had difficulty reaching my feet to put on socks. I had to do a major ab crunch just to get down there.

Swanny

I really learned to dislike "cables" -- cables everywhere, floating, in the way, taking on amazing shapes...I got to hate cables and it is sticking with me on Earth. (kind of rotten for a EE)... "Wolfman"

Sorting multiple similar objects! I was once given the task of sorting/replacing collections of CDs stored in large binders on the ISS. Even with a well thought out CD "file system" and dedicated pockets within the binders, it was extremely tedious and clumsy to efficiently manipulate them in microgravity.

Astro_Box

There are a lot of biomedical effects of microgravity, but our bodies do generally work pretty well! The difficult things in space are of more of a practical nature. It's really easy to lose things, for example.

Astrodude

During my college career, I did not do as well as I thought I would or as well as I did throughout my previous years of schooling due to personal problems early into college. I did major in a STEM field and finished with a 3.1. Can excelling grades while working on a higher-level degree like a Master's/PhD compensate for my low GPA in college when applying to be an astronaut at NASA?

You don't have to be a straight-A student to become an astronaut, or be successful in general. More important is hard work, and the ability to work with others in teams. MS and Ph.D. definitely help your application too!

Astrodude

Sure. Grades are somewhat important as they may indicate how capable you are of picking up concepts being taught. Frankly, when you're in school, there's not a lot else to "measure" someone on. However, as you begin a career, I'd be much more interested to learn what you did with your degree, and to learn more about the type of person you are. Don't worry about your 3.1! @Astro_127

Sure. Undergrad grades are important, but not as important as what you do after that. I have an astronaut classmate that actually failed out of college - the first time. He went back and got his degree - but in the meantime found a great mentor and did some amazing things in his career. Then he flew in space!

Applications open soon with NASA, can you please give advice in submitting an application to the next NASA Astronaut Class?

Be the best at whatever you are doing now. Love that job. Make it a hard decision to leave whatever you are doing to become an astroanut. Make sure you know what leadership means - and how to be a leader from the back of the pack. Just a few thoughts. @astro_tani

With the greatly increasing numbers of potential candidates applying, are there specific life experiences, skills, and education that would jump off the page to the board reading an application? For instance, someone who is a commercial pilot is not as impressive as an applicant who is a Test Pilot. Is it possible to be competitive in the applicant pool with someone with this level of experience?

My advice has always been - don't tailor your life for this job. Do what you want to do and do it really well. By the time you apply, NASA might be looking for near-sighted history majors with an interest in Iguana husbandry. In my mind, people that have tailored their careers and lives to look good on the astro application stand out like a sore thumb - not in a good way. @astro_tani

Completely agree with @astro_tani. When I was on the selection board it became clear to me that the most common error people made during the interview process was trying to be someone that they are not. Don't try to be the person you think NASA is looking for. Be yourself and be very good at it! @astro_g_dogg

Hi everyone. This is Mark Polansky, @Astro_127 joining

What earthly thing do you miss the most in space?

Besides family and friends, I most missed nature: The smell of grass, birds flying and chirping, squirrels running around, things like that!

Astrodude

Not as much as you (and I) would think. The food on ISS is really good, but I did miss really cold things (no freezer when I was there). Also fresh fruits and vegetables. I missed experiencing weather - the wind, the rain, etc. Oh, and in the middle of the night, I missed having gravity in the bathroom (you have to really concentrate and follow the procedure without gravity!)

Friends, family, pizza. @astro_g_dogg

What's the creepiest thing about space ?

The creepiest thing is looking out into deep space while you are on the sunlit part of the orbit. The sunlight washes out the starlight, and all you can see is the darkest black you can imagine, going on basically to infinity!

Astrodude

I can answer that question with two words - Steve Swanson.
@astro_g_dogg

Have you been talking to Tonto? Because I will deny all of those allegations. It wasn't me, it was probably just somebody who looked like me. And anyway, creepy is so subjective...... Swanny

what's the coolest thing you've seen in space?

During one of my spacewalks, I had my boots attached to the robotic arm and was being moved from one worksite on ISS to another. During several moments, I was face-down towards the Earth, and could not see either the Space Shuttle or ISS in my field of view. I watched the continents roll by and felt like a satellite orbiting the Earth!

Astrodude

My buddy Don Pettit has a great video (of many) of a ball of water with a perfect spherical air bubble in the middle of it. Then he injects a small drop of water in the air bubble and watches it bounce around inside the air bubble - until it is consumed into the larger water ball. It's the only place you can observe concave water surface tension. Check out Science off the sphere. @astro_tani

Our amazingly beautiful, fragile, awe-inspiring planet! @Astro_127

Regardless of having little free time, are astronauts allowed to play adult and recreational sports (hockey, scuba, etc), or are they restricted/limited to keep them safe and prevent non-work injuries?

There used to be a restriction on full contact and other dangerous activities 6 months before flight, but I'm not sure that still apples. My guess is the list of activities was a compilation of incidents that have happened in the past (e.g. air racing, skiing, parachuting, etc). But in general, there are no restricted activities - but it's YOUR spaceflights that you are endangering, so most of us keep that in mind. @astro_tani

Follow up: did you have to sacrifice any personal activities after your selection or during any of your missions?

You basically need to stay healthy. So, besides the things "on the list" that you are not supposed to do within a year of launch, you must use your own judgment on how best to avoid injury!

Astrodude

Most astronauts come to the job with an active life style already, and most enjoy continuing their sports or hobbies. There are restrictions placed on astronauts' activities, all based on actual events(!), once they are assigned to a mission on a crew. It's difficult and expensive to replace someone late in training if there is a serious injury or rehab. Years ago we were even prohibited from playing the interns in softball because we tended to play beyond our abilities! -FLC

My son is in Jr high and doing an independent study project on space exploration and the asteroid belt. Is there anything important that most people don't think about that you think he should research and include in his report?

I think one aspect that most people don't think about is how the astronauts will keep in touch with their loved ones on the ground and how those loved ones will feel connected to their astronauts. On the ISS, the missions are about 6 months, but the crew has daily access to email and voice communication. For trips a far away from Earth, the delay in communication will make conversation virtually impossible (15 minute delay each way for Mars) and so personal communication will depend on one-way messages. NASA has done a great job to make sure that the crews' families are involved and well taken care of - that will be even more important on long-distance voyages. Also, on the ISS - you can look at Earth at any time out the window - it's very comforting to see "home" whenever you want. For longer missions, Earth, if visible at all, will be a small dot - and that sense of isolation may be very disturbing for many people. @astro_tani

He should focus on the aspect(s) that interest him! That will ensure that he does a thorough and good job. We all work best on things we like.

Astrodude

My question is about fictional astronauts, but I was hoping since you guys have some experience with NASA you might be able to shed some light on the issue. After watching Ridley Scott’s The Martian, I was stuck with a question I’m sure many viewers were stuck with: What are the overtime implications for being stranded on another planet? Obviously Watney is a salaried employee, but is there some kind of added pay structure in that scenario?

I’m mostly kidding. I know being an actual astronaut is a dangerous job and nobody wants to think about a possible calamity like that, but I am interested in hearing if all the paperwork and administration is the same as any job. It’s just such a unique job, I have trouble imagining astronauts doing paperwork during and after a mission.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your service!

This question reminds me of the time just after my final interview in the astronaut selection process when a telemarketer called me trying to sell me life insurance. Having just been told about the limitations for most policies like the ones Swanny mentions here, I asked, "Does this policy cover flying in space?" To which the telemarketer replied, "Huh?" So I said, "You know, like on the Space Shuttle." At which point the telemarketer hung up on me! So if you ever get an annoying call from someone trying to sell you something, feel free to do the same. @astro_g_dogg

For me, after 5 1/2 months on the ISS, I did not get any overtime, but I did receive and an "award" for an extra 3 weeks off. Besides that, I maxed out my life insurance, which I got through NASA. It seems most other life insurance policies don't cover "space accidents". Swanny

Swanny - don't forget about the M&I! Personally, I pocketed over $120 dollars ($1/day) for my 4-month stay at the ISS. Now that's a flight bonus! I have the 8-sheet travel expense report here in my office - my favorite entry "Depart - Kennedy space Center Arrive - Low Earth Orbit" @astro_tani

NASA astronauts are government employees, either military or civilian, so of course there is lots of paperwork! And no overtime pay. You do actually get a couple of dollars per diem when on a space mission, but it's tiny. You are in government furnished quarters (and clothes) after all... FLC

As a followup to this question by /u/sputniksweetheart

What earthly thing do you miss the most in space?

What spacey thing do you miss most upon returning to earth?

I missed the fantastic view of the Earth! Every part of the Earth is beautiful in it's own way. Also, floating is pretty fun!

Astrodude

Oddly enough, I missed some of the space food when I got back. I still enjoy apples with peanut butter (a treat when the cargo ship brings fresh food) - mainly because it reminds me of my time in orbit. Maybe not oddly, I miss floating around. Love that. @astro_tani

I missed the ability to fly around like superman. The sheer joy of playing in microgravity never wore off... astro_g_dogg

What are the psychological components that they test wanna-be astronauts on? How do they test them?

Nowadays, the psych part is heavily weighted. You do a battery of standard personality tests "would you rather eat a pencil or dissect an earthworm?", and you get a 2-hour session with a staff psychiatrist. But everyone is asking themselves "can I live in a tin can for 6 months with this person" and that's just your personality - you can't really change that.

Hi guys,

I was wondering what degrees/career paths lead you all to being astronauts?

For me, it was following the career paths that the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts took. I got and engineering degree, got an Air Force commission, then became a fighter pilot and test pilot. It's much more open now. @Astro_127

I was in the minority in that I had a BS in Physics and an MS in aerospace engineering. I never reached the level of PhD because I wasn't smart enough, and I was pretty much done with being in school! BTW... it took me 15 applications over 15 years to be selected as an astronaut. A record I believe. @Astro_Clay

Thanks all! @Astro_Clay has to exit now, but had a great time with some very good questions. "May the FORCE be with you all!" #TheOrdinarySpaceman www.astroclay.com

With the number of applications increasing, are there specific life experiences, skills, and/or educational degrees that will make an application stand out to the Review Board? For example, is it possible for a someone who is a commercial pilot to be competitive with someone who is a Test Pilot?

I can't speak for today's selection boards, but in general NASA selects different "types" of astronauts. For instance, they might want a certain number of doctors versus scientists versus pilots. So if you're going to "compete" in the pilot category, I wouldn't think that a commercial pilot would be competitive with Test Pilots due to the training and flight experiences that Test Pilots bring from everyday flying that directly relate to the potential need to make high pressure, real-time decisions in a complex spacecraft. This is just my opinion though. @Astro_127

Hi guys,

I was wondering what degrees/career paths lead you all to being astronauts?

I got a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering by studying bubbles. @astro_g_dogg

NASA requires at least a bachelor's degree in science or engineering. An MD also qualifies. I have my degrees in chemical engineering, but the actual major is not that important. You should pursue what field interests you.

Astrodude

What does it feel like to sleep in space?

What does it feel like just to /be/ in Zero G?

I was Superman everyday! I flew to breakfast. Then I flew to work. If I needed a break, I flew to the bathroom... and you know what? I even FLEW when I was GOING to the bathroom! I was faster than a speeding bullet (17500 mph; 5 miles/second); more powerful than a locomotive ( I could lift anything in space with one hand), and I was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (there were no buildings 250 miles up!). Finally, I truly believed (and still do) that I stood for truth, justice, and the American way. @Astro_Clay

What was your (and your friends) reaction when you came back from your first EVA?

High Five's all the way around!

Astrodude

Do you think there is a launch rate that makes spaceplanes (HTOL) more efficient than a F9/Dragon rocket and capsule? Not sure SpaceX could cycle SLC-39A in less than 24 hours.

To, me, it's not a launch rate function, but rather a cost to orbit function. Once the cost is right, the market will take care of the rate. @astro_tani

Thanks. If you could personally go to orbit every week... would you?

If I could, I would be there right now. The issue for me is the amount of time away from home (and family) during the 2-3 years of training. But living on the ISS is fantastic! @astro_tani

I've always marveled at the night sky and relish visiting the countryside away from light pollution. What's it like to look at the milky way in space with your own eyes?

I've always enjoyed looking up, too. I grew up in Colorado and took clear nights as the norm--I knew constellations and felt connected to something bigger. I went on to teach high school astronomy and build a telescope with John Dobson.

So, when I went to space, I made special time to look out at the dark space. My favorite memory is being on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Discovery, turning all of the lights off, and dimming the screens of the necessary CRTs. The Milky Way was incredible--so much "thicker" looking. Our commander, Allen Poindexter, took a photo with enough exposure and time delay that you can actually see the colors that we could see. It is breathtaking and awe inspiring. It reminds me that I am small and that the universe is much more than I can ever understand, yet at the same time it is made of the chemicals I am made of. It was a spiritual moment for me. "AstroDot"

Seeing the Milky Way in space from ISS or the Shuttle is even better than star gazing on earth at THE most perfect, no-light-pollution spot on the planet. To be able to see it every orbit is a rare treat, so far offered only to those of us going into space. However, many have done a great job capturing those images in video/digital images, to allow all to enjoy! @Astro_Clay

What's your favorite zero-gravity game or horseplay?

I had a football from the University of Nebraska on board, so I kicked zero g field goals and threw passes to my crewmates. A nerf basketball and hoop were left on board by STS-117, so Fyodor Yurchikin and I played basketball... a space-based version of PIG that we called ISS. Baseball was another thing we tried. Go to www.astroclay.com or my YouTube Channel for some cool videos. @Astro_Clay

Where do you see space exploration in 20 years?

I'm worried about this one. Our Congress needs to increase funding for our space program to continue to enable us to do great things. While we are currently working w/commercial companies to get our US astronauts to the space station, in order to go to Mars, return to the Moon, or visit an asteroid, we're going to need serious capital from our nation. If you worry about those expenditures, consider that cell phone technology, invisible braces, anti-fog, portable drills, artificial sows... all came from advances in technology due to our space program. There are thousands more. Our space program is an investment and I believe it's not where we are going or the destination, it's what we learn along the way. @Astro_Clay

Do you think that already working as a NASA Civil Servant gives any sort of benefit/advantage to astronaut applications over others, and does the position utilize any sort of veteran preference for hiring?

Being a NASA civil servant can be a double edged sword. You're possibly well known, which is good if folks like you a lot, and not so good if folks don't! Since you're applying for a civil servant position, there is a veteran's preference for hiring, though I doubt that it would ever tip the scales one way or another. @Astro_127

Agree with 127! Familiarity with NASA personnel works both ways. I'd say no really benefit to already being a civil servant. Just be the best at whatever you are already doing. @astro_tani

Have you ever felt any kind of "familiarity" while in orbit? Or every day and every time you took a look through the window was as impressive as the first time?

And thanks for sharing your experience!

The view of the Earth is always stunning! But, humans are remarkably adaptable. After a few days, the view is still stunning, but you do kind of get used to it. It's a bit disappointing!

Astrodude

To me, there was a familiarity from mission to mission. Somehow, my body remembered what it was like and adapted more easily each time. You then quickly assimilate to the orbital experience each day to the point where it's now "normal". But the view and experience never was taken for granted. @Astro_127

Every time I looked through the window I got a thrill. After being there for a while, I tried to figure out where we were just by looking at the ground (or the lights at night). It's pretty interesting that the continents look different - especially at night. @astro_tani

The view is wonderful but you do get used to it after a while. Many of us spent some time in space putting shades in the windows of the shuttle so we can make it dark enough to watch a movie. My STS-132 crew watched "Talladega Nights" the night before we came home. @astro_g_dogg

What truly deep space experience do you all long for but realize it won't happen in your lifetime?

Mars! @Astro_127

For me, getting to go to the Moon. It was Apollo 11 and the other Moon landings that inspired me to want to become an astronaut in the first place.

Astrodude

What do you do on the day of/before the take-off? Any traditions you follow?

I studied like crazy all the shuttle systems, the first day's plan, and then reviewed the critical events of the mission. As for traditions, I always visited the old Apollo 1 pad for a quiet moment. @Astro_127

There are several traditional activities in the days leading up to launch. The crew has a private party with close friends and family at the "beach house" located just down the coast from the launch pad. There is also a private tour of the launch pad with one guest per crewmember and the "waive across the ditch" when about 50 of your closest friends and family travel by bus to the perimeter of the launch pad and due to quarantine protocol you have to stand across a large ditch and wave and shout at them. That moment was captured well in a scene from Apollo 13, by the way. @astro_g_dogg

Do you think they'll allow children (eg. over 12) on commercial crew flights relatively soon?

e.g. an astronaut/instructor could take their kid with them for a quick visit to a Commercial Space Station (Can't imagine NASA allowing a kid on the ISS)

Depends on your definition of "relatively soon"! While it will happen, I would think that a company would have to be very concerned about liability (sorry, that's the world we live in) as well other possible complications. But that will be up to the different commercial companies to decide. @Astro_127

Hi everyone! @Astro_Clay is now "On board" the Star Ship AMA! Fire away, and I'll do my best to give you an answer. If I don't know, I'll make something up! ;0)

Thanks for joining the show - as long as you answer with confidence, I will believe you!

That's the ONE thing @Astro_Clay has... confidence! (And dashingly good looks!)... @Astro_Clay

What is training like? What is liftoff day like and how is it when you return home?

Training: Hard work, long hours, at times boring, at times exhilarating, but always fun! Put me in a simulator, T-38 jet, or Shuttle Training Aircraft any day of the week. Liftoff: Completely different from training. I was never a pro athlete, but the analogy may be the difference one feels when playing the real game versus practice. @Astro_127

During the 2 years of astronaut training,I know that time is spent on language, environment training, and specific systems training, but how much time is spent on general engineering concepts, specifically for those who's background are say medical, or geology, etc. Does the training bring them up to speed with their counterparts who have more of an engineering background?

There's no formal training on general engineering concepts, but I think the non-engineers do pick up a lot of knowledge informally along the way from their classmates and from general discussion. @astro_g_dogg

There are some new classes and training flows that are now offered on how to work on aircraft and car engines. They are not going to make us engineers, but they do get us familiar with engineering systems and hardware. As we look to exploring our solar system these crossovers are important (engineers learning geology, geologists learning medical practices, etc.)--just like having Do-it-yourself videos and manuals. Astronauts are lifelong learners! "AstroDot"

What inspired you to become an astronaut? Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?

For me it was growing up watching the early astronauts launch into space, and especially the Apollo program. Though I then said I wanted to be an astronaut (like a whole lot of folks), it wasn't until I was in college that I really started to seriously think about it, and that was following a visit by Gene Cernan a few years after he walked on the Moon. @Astro_127

What do you all think the future of international/private manned space exploration will be like?

I'm mainly asking as someone who would love to be an astronaut, but by the randomness of birth, isn't associated with a prominent national space agency.

With the growth of "commercial space", I believe that you will see the need for more company astronauts, and that won't necessarily require one to have any particular nationality. I don't think this will happen very soon, but it's inevitable IMHO. @Astro_127

Once again, I agree with my buddy 127! Space Agency astros won't be the only ones flying in space. @astro_tani

I see most astronaut candidates are selected in their 30's/40's, but if a person has been 'planning' an astronaut career (getting SCUBA certified, learning Russian, taking aircraft piloting lessons) do you think it is possible we could see astronaut candidates as young as, say, 24/25 (fresh PhD graduates)?

There are so many variables that go into this, and they will continue to evolve. If you're talking about becoming a NASA Astronaut, then it's difficult for a person to establish a track record with real world work experiences outside of school at that age. I'm not saying that there won't be exceptions, and in fact, it has happened in the past. It's just not the norm. @Astro_127

What is the most soul-satisfying thing about the experience of being in space?

Believing that what we do is for the benefit of humanity. Knowing that in spite a sometimes insane world, people of varied nationalities, races, genders, and backgrounds can work together in the most hostile environment we know in cooperation and peace. @Astro_127

There is always a fight between piloted return vehicles and automated, and a lot of the times it seems like Astro-pilots arguments are centered around "because I want to fly". That being said, there have been specific incidents, such as with Apollo 13, in which having a manned pilot capability has been the difference between survival and not. So keeping this in mind - manned descent or automated?

Automated with human oversight. @astro_tani

I was a pilot, and I really don't believe that the answer is or should be based on what "I want". It should be based on the requirements with a look at the risk/reward trades. That's why most of the space shuttle ascent and entry was automated with the ability for the pilots to take over control if needed. So, I'll simply say that I'd have to evaluate each case on its on merits as opposed to making a sweeping generalization! @Astro_127

Aren't you afraid of the infinity, or to be so isolated from anyone else in case anything happens?

Also, what have you seen that might be considered supernatural, if something?

It wasn't scary to me to be "isolated" on the International Space Station. The place was huge, first of all. On at least two occasions I went looking for a crewmate starting at one side of the ship and reached the other side without finding them and had to go back and try again. Secondly, when you look down at the Earth you know there are bad things happening down there from time to time. Being isolated on the ISS felt in some way kind of safe since you were literally above all of that. @astro_g_dogg

How confident were you about being selected as astronaut candidates when you first sent your application? And after meeting the rest of candidates that passed the first cut?

I had basically zero confidence. I interviewed with 20 other people and thought that about at least 4 of them were excellent candidates and sure to be selected. I would have put myself near the bottom of the list. In the end, I was the only one of the 20 of us to get chosen. I still think it was due to some kind of computer error. @astro_g_dogg

When I sent my application in: 1% sure. After meeting my interview class: 0.1% sure. @astro_tani

Congratulations to all of you and I commend you for your dedication to your work. My question is - Long-term health effects of prolonged living in microgravity are unknown (such as osteoporosis and potential other health issues in older age). Are you scared/worried about the unknown long term health hazards of such environment on human body and are there any specific steps that you take to mitigate them (apart from living an active lifestyle) while on earth?

I have become a bit more concerned about them lately, as I am starting to feel a bit more of my age (56). I have some aches that I've never had before, and with some of my colleagues experiencing hip injuries, shoulder surgeries and the like, I'm a little "interested" to say the least. I continue to try and stay in good shape, and begin referee (basketball) season tomorrow morning! Astro Clay

How long are the missions usually?

Missions to ISS (space station) are about 4-6 months with Scott Kelly now up there for 1 year! Guessing more of those to come! Shuttle missions lasted anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Astro Clay

What did it feel like going into space the very first time?

I had some anxiety, but no fear. Too many things to think about, trying to NOT be the guy that made any mistakes (you almost never live that down in my experience). But once we hit zero g, it was awesome! I didn't get sick, and was able to dive in and start working right away. Worst part was not being able to get to the window to look out, and then when I did, not being able to stay there very long! @Astro_Clay

Maneuvering our bodies in the microgravity environment took some getting used to ... we steadily improved over time, but I certainly felt like a bull in a china shop the first few days. Even after a couple of weeks, the long duration space veterans needed to find patience with us (first time and short term fliers).

Astro_Box

I felt focused, curious, and a bit fearful. The focus came from my training and game day attitude. I was a competitive runner in high school and college, and I wanted to take all of my training and do the mission. Our simulations and training were targeted for this goal, and I was ready to play.

I was also curious about the experience--what would it be like when those engines roared to life? What would floating be like? How would the Earth look to me?

I'll tell you that the first seconds really are a kick--you FEEL like you are being shoved hard through the back and into space. You bounce like you are on a wooden roller coaster. But once the solid rocket boosters came off, it felt amazingly smooth, until the last minute or so when it felt like a very large person was sitting on my chest and wouldn't get up. Then suddenly you float up in your straps and the last 8.5 minutes seem a blur because you have several other steps in the checklist to get to. "AstroDot"

And I had some fear--the fear of making a mistake that could impact my crew mates and the mission. This fear I dealt with like an athlete--letting it keep me focused and vigilant.

Do you dream in zero gravity or like your back on earth?

What are your thoughts when a disaster happens at home and you can only watch from space?

I had normal dreams while living in space. Nothing really stood out for me as being "wild" due to zero g. Most of my dreams centered on my family and things I enjoyed doing with them. Watching a disaster from space must be a lonely feeling. The closest I got was August 2007, when Hurricane Dean was bearing down on Houston. The STS-118 crew, visiting me while I was on ISS, had to cut the mission short so they could go home and take care of their families. Me, on the other hand, had to stay, and pray that all would be well for mine. Fortunately, Dean took a turn to the east at the last minute and avoided Houston. @Astro_Clay

At any point during space travel have you feared for your life?

I have not ever feared for my life. I believe I wasn't smart enough, or too trusting in those that prepared me and the vehicle, to realize that I was indeed risking my life. We are so focused on the tasks at hand, and not making any errors, that we don't think (at least I didn't) about stuff like that. @Astro_Clay

I didn't fear for my life during my mission. However, I respected the engineering of the Space Shuttle as it returned and I could see the plasma outside our front windows. I felt vulnerable and humble. "AstroDot"

Is there any way to experience moon gravity without going to space?

Flying aboard parabolic aircraft (e.g. "vomit comet" etc), the profile can be adjusted to simulate zero gravity and fractions of a g as well. I recall several moon (1/6 g) and Mars (1/3 g) parabolas during my initial astronaut training.

Astro_Box

If you can afford to pay to fly on the Zero G airplane (there is a company out there that does this regularly), they can fly weightless parabolas, Moon parabolas (1/6th G), and Mars parabolas (1/3rd G). Do it... you KNOW you want to! @Astro_Clay

Yep--we got to ride the KC-135 (also known as the "vomit comet") early in our training. When you do a parabola with a specific dive, you will get a fraction of a earth's gravity (g). We did parabolas that allowed us to feel 1/6 and 1/3 of a g, which are what you would feel on the Moon and Mars. We even played a brief (30 sec) football game.

I've read that there is a reverse correlation between how sea/motion sick astronauts get on earth and how bad SAS is for them, would you guys say this is true for you?

I haven't seen the data, so I cannot verify the correlation. However, I have not had motion sickness on earth since being a small child on trips to Rocky Mountain National Park (probably a combination of being the passanger on a very windy road and eating treats at the restaurants in Estes Park, CO). We did aerobatics for our Pensacola and T38 training, and it never bothered me.

But when I got to space...I was sick 3 times during the first day. It bummed me out because I really wanted to be 100% for my crew. Thankfully, I got a shot that evening, and the rest of the mission went great .... until 10 minutes after landing.

"AstroDot" Forgot to sign off on that :-)

All I know is that experience shows about 50% of all astronauts get motion sickness when they reach orbit. Doesn't matter if they were fighter pilots, engineers, or scientists. I did NOT get sick on my first mission until I returned to earth after 152 days. On my second, I did not get sick at all. @Astro_g_dogg will tell you that the shorter you are, the lower the chance you'll experience motion sickness in space..."short" moment arms? @Astro_Clay

What gets you most excited about future space exploration? What do you hope to see in 25+ years?

I think the opportunity for all earthlings to one day have the chance to visit space as paying customers (like airline flights) excites me the most. Just as Orville and Wilbur had no idea we would fly jets from Houston to Dubai, we are at the cusp of being able to fly folks into space for enjoyment vice as US Astronauts on a mission. I hope to see us living/working on the Moon within 25 years, while we continue to advance toward putting humans on Mars. @Astro_Clay

Will any of you write me a letter of recommendation to submit with my application in December? :D (..and would that even help?)

Since I don't know you... Nope! When I was "learning the ropes" of the selection process (boy did I learn the ropes... I applied 15 times before I was selected!), I found that even though the "rules" said 3 references/letters, many applicants would send in multiple letters... oftentimes ALL from their astronaut acquaintances. Hard to compete with that when you don't even have one! Your interview and your background/accomplishments should be the majority of your "firepower." I'm guessing your references will be just fine! @Astro_Clay

Hi guys! I hope I'm not too late here. For the past two years I've been lugging around a "Russian Space Suit" all around the world in attempt to create art, inspire, and educate. The series is called "Everyday Astronaut" and I mostly push my media through Instagram. I'm working on a children's book this winter using Everyday Astronaut and I wanted to know if you had any good suggestions on how to help inspire kids about space exploration and STEM education? My goal has been to help add A (art) to STEM (STEAM). Any feedback would be much appreciated! Also, does this image resonate with you? or did you not always know what you wanted to be? :)

Keep pushing hard! Perhaps using other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook or Quora would help your efforts. I am in your corner as a STEAM advocate, realizing full well that painting landscapes is chemistry and playing the guitar or trombone are lessons in physics. @Astro_Clay

What's the most promising new drive in your opinion? Short term and long term.

It's not new, but we will always have the drive to explore and understand.

I'm also looking forward to some "Hyper-drive" in the new Star Wars movie :-) "AstroDot"

What is your favorite fruit?

In space, I enjoyed eating the re-hydrated strawberries and dried peaches and/or apricots.

On earth, I love the variety and I try to model eating lots of them for my daughter.

Is space infinite?

In my opinion, I think it's "infinite" AND the final frontier! I believe it is constantly expanding as a result of the big bang billions of years ago. "Live long... and prosper!" @Astro_Clay

Have you ever seen a grown man naked?

I bet you like gladiator movies!

Astrodude

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Nooooooooooooo! Astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger is known as Cheeeeeeeeezzzzzzze to @Astro_Clay because I morphed her last name into Limburger... as in cheese. On the STS-131, I was known as "The Princess." If you aspire to be an astronaut, do what you love to do. Be yourself always, not someone you think they want. Finally, never self-eliminate yourself... let NASA eliminate you officially when the time comes. Good luck in your quest! @Astro_Clay

I'm not "Princess," I'm "Cheese." We get our call signs from our buddies. This call sign comes from the "Lindenburger" of my last name and the cheese. However, I've also wondered, but don't know, if it comes from my grin--as in "Smile and say, Cheese." AstroDot

That smile is a classic... and is everpresent... not just when posing for pics Dottie. So... the Princess sticks with CHEEEEEEEZZZZZZE! @Astro_Clay

Do you remember what you felt or thought the first time you looked down and saw the Earth?

I felt awe and I felt an even stronger faith in God. The earth is so beautiful from space. Her deadliest areas (e.g., Sahara desert) look absolutely breathtaking. It was an honor and privilege to see her from above. Pictures do not do justice. @Astro_Clay

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My 3 shuttle missions were all to ISS, though I never lived there as an ISS crew member. @Astro_127

How do you feel about Arthur Clarke's theory in "the sentinel" and in "2001.....odyssey" that the buried monolith on the moon was left by an advanced race to be found when our race reached the technological advancement to find it?

Reminds me of a sci-fy book I read as a youngster called "The Minervan Experiment." It's just a theory in my book...I'm not holding my breath for an advanced race anytime soon. @Astro_Clay