PUBLIC OPINION > Most People Couldn't Handle a Year in Space
SodaHead Living
2012/11/27 19:00:00
Scott Kelly and Mikhail Korniyenko better get along, because they're going to be spending a lot of time together. Kelly, a NASA veteran, and Korniyenko, a Russian cosmonaut, will spend one whole year on the International Space Station together. We asked the public if they thought they could handle a year-long stay like that.
While it would be great to get the chance to go into outer space, most people agreed that a year is too much for them to handle. The Top Opinion read, "I think you'd have to be really dedicated to space to do that!" Though, actually, 40% of respondents thought they could handle it. That's a lot of people! Granted, some of the reasons given had less to do with space and more to do with gripes about humanity, but hey. Whatever gets you off the ground.
Women Will Pass, Thanks
Women Will Pass, Thanks
Females were easily one of the least interested demographics. They were about 30% less likely than men to say they could handle a year-long stay in outer space. Could it be that women are less interested in the cosmos? Not likely. It probably has more to do with personal space. It could also be that their expectations are a little more realistic.
Mid-Life Crisis
Mid-Life Crisis
We were surprised to see that teens were mostly unwilling to try. Maybe if we'd specified that iPods are allowed, there would have been more traction. But people in or near their 50s were much more likely. The 55-64 group was the only group with more than 50% saying they could handle it. Any older than that, and solid ground reclaims its appeal.
Moonshine Medicine
Moonshine Medicine
Perhaps less surprising was the drinking demographic. People who drink were almost twice as likely to say they could handle it than nondrinkers. This could be attributed to a few things: a) the option of using alcohol to distract them from the boredom b) an innate desire to isolate, or c) delusions of grandeur.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about the International Space Station. We'd love to hear from you!
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about the International Space Station. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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ginge 2012/12/01 16:25:42
+14i would love 2 go out 2 space i would be able 2 float and maybe meet aliens and i could get to fly in a spaceship . before i saw in the Guinness world records someone had a wedding in space and they had it up side down because of the gravity. also when im older i want 2 work with NASA
dealt with their 'teen angst' ..
then you know that a year in space would be a BREEZE to endure ..
compared to the antics of teens in High School years!
However, I think it would get really, really boring. No internet access, no phone. Probably can't bring many personal belongings either (journal, sketchpad, musical instrument).
In other words those under the age of 30.
Most do not realize the misery of living in weightless conditions. Just to start a long list, Men wear catheters, women diapers. No showers or baths, you have to do intense physical workouts at least two hours a day and you sweat...no showers. On the other hand your sinus's block and you feel like you have a head cold, so your sense of smell goes away,