Astronauts face numerous risks while in space, including floating away during a spacewalk. To mitigate this risk, NASA requires spacewalking astronauts to use tethers and sometimes additional anchors. In case of an emergency, astronauts can use a jetpack called SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue) to fly back to safety. However, the fuel in the jetpack is limited, and if another astronaut doesn't come to the rescue quickly, the stranded astronaut may run out of breathable air.
Despite these risks, astronauts undergo rigorous training to prepare for emergency situations. They use specialized equipment, such as jetpacks, and follow strict protocols to ensure their safety. The training also includes endurance exercises, team-building activities, and psychological evaluations to assess their mental stability.
In addition to the technical and physical challenges, astronauts also face legal complexities in space. For example, if a crime is committed on the International Space Station (ISS), it may be difficult to determine which country's laws apply. The laws of the country that sent the spacecraft or astronauts into space may apply, but this can lead to confusion and complexity in investigating and prosecuting crimes in space.
Overall, being an astronaut requires a unique combination of physical, mental, and technical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the risks and challenges involved in space travel.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. 18 people have died in space flights, all during launch or landing.
2. Astronauts can float off far from the spacecraft during a spacewalk, but this has not happened during a mission yet.
3. NASA requires spacewalking astronauts to use tethers and sometimes additional anchors for safety.
4. Astronauts put on emergency jet packs called SAFER in case they break loose from the spacecraft.
5. The first jetpack appeared in 1984 and was used to repair communication satellites.
6. Jetpacks for emergency use became available to astronauts in 1994.
7. Astronauts Chris Hadfield and Luca Parmitano had emergency situations during spacewalks, but were able to recover safely.
8. The Mission Control Center provides support to astronauts during spacewalks, analyzing data and providing assistance as needed.
9. Astronauts undergo rigorous training, including endurance training and underwater tests, to prepare for spacewalks.
10. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston has a 40-foot-deep pool that simulates weightlessness for astronaut training.
11. Aerospace psychologists help select and prepare astronauts for space missions, evaluating their mental stability and ability to cope with stress.
12. The selection process for astronauts is highly competitive, with only 10 candidates selected out of 60.
13. Clayton Anderson, a retired astronaut, was rejected by NASA 14 times before being accepted as an astronaut.
14. International law applies to crimes committed in space, but investigating a murder in space would be challenging due to jurisdictional issues.
15. The laws of the country that sent the spacecraft or space station into space may apply to crimes committed on board.