Joe Rogan Experience #1425 - Garrett Reisman | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronaut shares insights from his 95-day stay in space, including the physical effects on the body and the experience of spacewalks.

Key Insights

• 🥺 Extended stays in space can lead to muscle and bone loss, but countermeasures like exercise can help prevent these effects.
• ☠️ The recovery process after returning from space can take up to a year to fully regain bone and muscle mass.
• 🧑‍🚀 Spacewalks require meticulous training, and astronauts must be prepared to adapt to unexpected challenges.
• 👾 Private companies like SpaceX and Boeing are entering the arena of space travel, providing new opportunities for human exploration beyond traditional government programs.
• 👾 The Chinese space program has had instances where rocket boosters and debris have fallen in populated areas, highlighting the importance of careful trajectory planning.

Transcript

three-two-one welcome thanks for doing this man I really appreciate it thanks for inviting me this is awesome I've seen a bunch of videos online of you talking about space and your your your dream of being an astronaut as a young man and what what is it like just to see the Earth from above and to be you lived up there for like what 95 days 95 days... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the physical effects of being in space for an extended period of time?

Being in space for a prolonged period can lead to muscle and bone loss due to the lack of gravity. Countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, can help prevent these effects.

Q: How do astronauts combat muscle and bone loss during space travel?

Astronauts undergo resistive exercise to maintain muscle and bone mass. Advances in workout machinery have allowed astronauts to avoid significant muscle and bone loss during prolonged stays in space.

Q: What is the recovery process like after returning from space?

Returning to Earth from space can be challenging both physically and mentally. It can take around a year to fully recover and regain bone and muscle mass. Vestibular systems may also be affected, leading to balance issues.

Q: What is the experience of conducting a spacewalk like?

Spacewalks involve maintenance tasks outside of the spacecraft. Astronauts must wear special suits and are equipped with oxygen tanks. It can be physically demanding, and there can be unexpected challenges, such as fitting equipment together correctly.

Summary

In this video, an astronaut discusses his experiences in space and how he adapted to the unique challenges of living in a zero-gravity environment. He talks about the physical effects of being in space, such as bone and muscle loss, and the countermeasures that astronauts use to prevent these issues. He also discusses the mental and emotional aspects of being in space, including the awe-inspiring views of Earth and the sense of unity that astronauts feel. Additionally, he shares stories about his spacewalks and the challenges he faced during those missions. Overall, the video provides a fascinating insight into the realities of living and working in space.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is it like to see the Earth from above and live in space for an extended period of time?

Seeing the Earth from above is awe-inspiring, with beautiful, vibrant colors of blues and greens. However, the experience can sometimes be underwhelming due to high expectations. Living in space for an extended period of time can be challenging, as the body undergoes changes and adapts to a microgravity environment.

Q: How long was the astronaut's longest stay in space, and what is the significance of reaching a certain number of days in space?

The astronaut's longest stay in space was 95 days. Reaching a certain number of days, such as 100 days, is significant because astronauts receive a patch for their achievements. In this case, the astronaut was disappointed to miss out on the badge by only 5 days.

Q: Who holds the record for the longest stay in space, and how do astronauts adjust back to Earth after spending an extended period of time in space?

The record for the longest stay in space is held by a Russian astronaut, who stayed up for more than a year. When astronauts return to Earth after an extended stay in space, they may experience changes in their balance and equilibrium due to the lack of gravity. It can take time for their bodies to readjust and for their bone and muscle mass to return to normal.

Q: How does being in space affect the body's bone density and muscle mass, and what countermeasures are taken to prevent these issues?

In the past, astronauts experienced bone density and muscle loss due to the lack of gravity. However, countermeasures such as exercise and resistive workouts have been developed to combat these issues. High load, low rep exercises have proven to be more effective in preventing bone and muscle loss than low load, high rep exercises.

Q: How often do astronauts have to work out while in space, and what does a typical workout session entail?

Astronauts have to work out every day while in space, spending approximately one hour exercising. Workouts include functional fitness exercises that target specific areas, with a focus on preventing bone and muscle loss. Resistance exercises are crucial for maintaining muscle and bone density.

Q: What are some of the unique challenges of exercising and sweating in space, and how does the body adapt to the lack of gravity?

In space, sweat does not run down the body but instead forms a thin film of water on the skin. Sweating can be inconvenient, as it floats off the body and can cause discomfort. However, the body adapts to the lack of gravity by shedding bone density and adapting to the reduced load on muscles.

Q: How does spending an extended period of time in space affect the vestibular system and balance, and how do astronauts compensate for these changes?

Spending an extended period of time in space affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. Astronauts rely more on visual cues than their semicircular canals and otolith organs for balance. The body compensates for these changes, and astronauts readjust to normal balance after some time back on Earth.

Q: Does being in space affect cognitive abilities such as memory, and how does the recirculated air impact the body?

Some astronauts report experiencing short-term memory issues, also known as "space brain," but it is unclear whether these issues are a result of being in space or due to other factors. The recirculated air in space can be odd, but it does not have a significant impact on cognitive function.

Q: What is the experience like when an astronaut sees the Earth from space for the first time, and how does it compare to the expectations they had?

The first view of Earth from space can be both breathtaking and underwhelming. While the views are beautiful, astronauts often have high expectations due to HD videos and photographs they have seen. The realization that we are all on this planet together is a common sentiment, sometimes referred to as the "overview effect."

Q: Is there a specific spot on the space station that provides the best view of Earth, and how does it compare to being on a spacewalk?

The space station has a cupola with a 360-degree view, providing a spectacular view of Earth. While the cupola offers breathtaking views, it does not compare to the experience of a spacewalk, as you cannot truly feel the sensation of floating and being above Earth in the cupola.

Takeaways

Living and working in space presents unique challenges for astronauts, both physically and mentally. Astronauts must adapt to the microgravity environment and take measures to prevent bone and muscle loss. The experience of seeing Earth from space can be overwhelming, but it may not always live up to high expectations. Despite the challenges, astronauts find a sense of unity and realize the insignificance of boundaries on Earth. Spacewalks are exhilarating but come with their own set of challenges, including maintenance tasks and the need for improvisation. The unique experiences in space and underwater exploration provide a deeper understanding of our planet and our place in it.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronaut reflects on his 95-day stay in space and the perspective of seeing Earth from above.

• Discusses the physical effects of space travel, such as muscle and bone loss, and the measures taken to combat them.

• Shares experiences of spacewalks and the training involved, including a harrowing moment during a failed spacewalk.