Astronauts are selected and meticulously crafted in a relentless quest to conquer the universe. Training is rigorous, and they can endure extraordinary conditions. Human curiosity and adventurous bent of mind have been challenged by space travel since the late 1960s. So, what does it take to become an astronaut? Read on.
Table of Contents
Indian Astronauts in Space
On 27 February 2024, PM Modi introduced the Rs 20,000 crore Gaganyaan program. Four astronauts, group captains from the Indian Air Force, were identified to be trained for ISRO at Star City in Moscow.
They have completed 13 months of rigorous training, which included survival in harsh conditions of deserts, marshes, mountains, the Arctic, forests, and oceans. They are being chiselled into becoming mentally and physically strong to handle the extremely uncertain conditions in space. Their programs included 200 lectures on engineering topics related to space travel, participating in test missions at ISRO, and 39 weeks of intensive crew training activity.
ISRO is now on a joint mission to the ISS (International Space Station). Subhanshu has already completed his training on SpaceX’s Dragon Spacecraft. This is a joint mission with NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO. It is to usher in space travel as a commercial activity.
What does it take to train for space travel?
Originally intended to be a week’s stay in ISS, astronaut Sunita Williams’ stay has been extended till February 2025! We hear this is due to their capsule being unsafe for re-entry. It has been six months now. Such uncertainties are part and parcel of space expeditions. But Williams says living in space is fun! Embarking on space flights is risky even at its safest, says NASA’s Bill Nelsen.
So why is it so tough to be a space traveller? Here are some observations and reasons:
- Uncertainty is the thing, and tolerance for it needs to be high. This reduces stress.
- Prepare for any conditions on re-entry, such as desert, forest, mountain, arctic, etc.
- They train on simulators on Earth but adapt quickly to space reality.
- During launch and re-entry, astronauts experience extreme accelerations; they need to be able to handle these. Training is hard.
- Helium, oxygen leaks, fire, and system failures must be handled, and they must be trained for these.
- Microgravity training in controlled underwater pools.
- Go on parabolic flights that briefly create weightlessness.
- G Force training in centrifuges that simulate gravitational forces during launch, re-entry, and manoeuvring in space.
- They need to condition for space habitats that replicate the ISS environment.
- Eat foods made specially for consumption in space. Idli, Upma, Biryani, Chikki, Pickle, and Coffee and Tea are all available but not the same as we eat on Earth!
- Diets rich in calcium and vitamin D are the target.
- Fitness is a must on Earth and in Space. Regular exercise is on the day’s agenda.
- They need to train on control panels, robotic arms,
Great in space, but what is lost?
Health is lost! Microgravity environment leads to muscle atrophy and bone density loss. Zero gravity reduces the body’s need to support itself. Further, it can cause vision issues due to increased pressure in the cranium. The face can get puffy due to fluid shifts. And then, we have exposure to radiation in space, which can increase the risk of cancer.
So how do the astronauts counter these? They must exercise regularly; resistance and cardiovascular exercises counter the lack of gravity. Their diet must be rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help keep bones healthy.
Perhaps the most unobtrusive is the circadian rhythm. Due to a lack of natural light cycles and a monotonous environment, the human circadian rhythm can get upset and cause sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene and discipline are maintained by managing exposure to light and sleep aids as needed.
When they return to Earth, they may feel dizzy due to their hearts needing to recondition to pump against gravity on Earth.
Due to all these concerns, Sunita Williams will be put on a comprehensive health and wellness program. However, the ills that cannot be avoided will still remain part of their system, perhaps forever.
The question, therefore, is, do we need all these developments? Debatable!
