The 9 Most Memorable Downlink Moments of 2021

TL;DR

Astronauts answer fun and interesting questions about life in space, including arm wrestling, gardening, smells, food, hair, Jupiter, and the overall experience.

Transcript

[ MUSIC ] >> FOR THE FIRST TIME, I'M ABOUT TO ATTEMPT A TRIPLE, SO HERE WE GO. [ MUSIC ] >> HI, CAN YOU ARM WRESTLE IN SPACE? >> HEY, RACHEL, UH, THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION. I AM, UH, READY TO FIGHT TODAY WITH SHANNON, SO I GIVE YOU THE ARM WRESTLING IN SPACE. HERE WE GO. >> HERE WE GO. >> READY? >> READY? [ GRUNTING ] >> I THINK I WON THAT ONE. [ MUS... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Astronauts face unique challenges in activities such as arm wrestling due to the absence of gravity.
• 😋 NASA recognizes the importance of developing sustainable food sources for future space colonization, including gardening on the Moon and Mars.
• 👾 The smell in space is often described as metallic or even like hamburgers, potentially due to psychological cravings.
• 🧑‍🚀 Astronauts have access to dehydrated beef patties and irradiated beefsteaks, providing them with necessary protein.
• 👾 Hair doesn't tangle in space as there is no wind, but it can float around freely.
• ⛈️ Lightning on Jupiter can create diamonds through the conversion of methane.
• 🙃 Being in space offers a lot of fun and unique experiences, including floating, being upside-down, and various activities in the weightless environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you arm wrestle in space?

Yes, astronauts can arm wrestle in space, but the lack of gravity makes it challenging due to the absence of stable ground and leverage.

Q: What would you gift a kid from space?

If a child grew up in orbit without experiencing a planetary surface, a walking stick would be a thoughtful gift to help them adjust to walking on solid ground.

Q: Is gardening possible on the Moon or Mars?

NASA is actively researching and developing methods for gardening on the Moon and Mars, recognizing the importance of sustainable food sources for future space colonization.

Q: What does space smell like?

While it is difficult to describe, astronauts often perceive a metallic smell in space, with some even comparing it to the smell of hamburgers, possibly due to cravings.

Q: What kind of beef is available in space?

Astronauts have dehydrated beef patties and irradiated beefsteaks, which are shelf-stable but not as good as fresh steak. They require rehydration or heating before consumption.

Q: Does hair get tangled in space?

Hair doesn't tangle as much in space due to the absence of wind, but it can still float around. Astronauts often keep their hair in a ponytail to prevent it from interfering with equipment.

Q: Does it rain diamonds on Jupiter?

Lightning on Jupiter can cause methane to transform into carbon, which falls to the surface and turns into graphite and eventually diamonds up to a centimeter in diameter.

Q: Is it fun in space?

Yes, being in space is a lot of fun. Astronauts can float, be upside-down, and enjoy various activities in a weightless environment, making the most of the unique conditions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts arm wrestle in space, showcasing the unique challenges and experiences of being weightless.

• The possibility of having gardens on the Moon and Mars is an important consideration for NASA.

• The smell in space is described as metallic or even like hamburgers.

• Astronauts have access to dehydrated beef patties and irradiated beefsteaks.

• Hair doesn't get tangled in space due to the absence of wind.

• Lightning on Jupiter can create diamonds through the conversion of methane.

• Being in space is a lot of fun, with the ability to float, be upside-down, and enjoy various activities in the weightless environment.