Why Going to Outer Space Is Actually Easier Than Summiting Mount Everest | Scott Parazynski

TL;DR

Mount Everest poses constant physical and psychological threats, while space missions are more peaceful and relaxing.

Transcript

Probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done is ascend Mount Everest. That might come as a surprise; it’s very hard to become an astronaut, train for a mission, and go fly a mission, but the psychological difference of being on Mount Everest is pretty substantial. When you’re in space you’re inside your spacecraft, you’re comfortable, you’re in... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🚀 Ascending Mount Everest is more psychologically challenging than becoming an astronaut and going on a space mission.
• 🖤 The constant threat to life and lack of resources on Mount Everest make it a dangerous and stressful environment.
• 👾 Space missions offer a peaceful and relaxing experience, except for certain critical moments such as launch and spacewalks.
• 😤 Climbers on Mount Everest are more on their own, while astronauts have a supportive team of experts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main psychological differences between being on Mount Everest and being in space?

The main difference is the constant threat to life that is felt on Mount Everest due to the thinning air and lack of calories. In space, however, astronauts are comfortable and have a sense of peace.

Q: What are the dangers that climbers face on Mount Everest?

Climbers face the constant threat of avalanches and the psychological stress of being in a dangerous place. They are also left to rely on their own resources during summit day.

Q: How does the presence of a supportive team affect the psyche of astronauts in space missions?

Having a team of engineers and flight controllers watching over them can provide a sense of security for astronauts. They know that if anything goes wrong, they have experts ready to assist.

Q: What is the role of nutrition in the psychological toll of Mount Everest?

In order to survive on Mount Everest, climbers require 5000-6000 calories a day, which is difficult to obtain. The constant struggle to obtain enough calories adds to the psychological stress of the experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ascending Mount Everest is incredibly challenging due to the thinning air, lack of calories, and constant threat to life, while being in space offers comfort, warmth, and a sense of peace.

• On Mount Everest, climbers must navigate dangerous avalanches and feel the cumulative psychological stress of being in a treacherous environment. In contrast, space missions are mostly peaceful, except for the launch and spacewalks.

• Climbers on Mount Everest are left to rely on their own resources, while astronauts have a supportive team of engineers and flight controllers watching over them.