Astronauts stuck in space, terrifying!

[Allnewtometoo]

I realise this happened a couple of months ago but I've only come across it today, and they're still there.

They went for 8 days, and likely to be there for 8 months.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4yqepr469o

Doesn't bear thinking about!

How awful

They don't mention food in the link? Do astronauts not need food?!

I read they had enough supplies to last them the other day.

OK, so I've just looked up the international space station, it had a "crew" there on various expeditiobs, so I'm assuming they're just staying there?? Eating with them? It's mindblowing.

It’s not like they’re floating about randomly, they’re at the International Space Station with several other astronauts (and several months worth of supplies).

It may be the safest place to be. I'm tempted to join.

@TheFlis thank you, yes, I should have looked into it further before posting. I suppose it might have always been a possibility.

The idea of being there without being able to get back, shook me somewhat!

They’re on the ISS with a bunch of other astronauts. It’s just their return flight got cancelled. Not sure what is ‘terrifying’ about this.

But they’re on the International Space Station, it’s huge. Plenty of facilities, food, water, toilets ( but not as we know them) and communications with their families. I don’t see the problem.

😂😂 I bet you’d complain if your salad was cold at the restaurant, but when astronauts are stuck in space for potentially 8 months instead of the planned 8 days you “dont see the problem”

Yes yes see my post above. The BBC article didnt give a great deal of information, and in my ignorance, I had no idea how the ISS was set up with people there all the time 😳

Less terrifying than I thought. Massively inconvenient maybe....

Yes, there was a period during covid where all humans were on earth for the first time in X number of years, 30? 50?

I can't remember but it wasn't something I'd really considered before

But they’re on the International Space Station, it’s huge. Plenty of facilities, food, water, toilets ( but not as we know them) and communications with their families. I don’t see the problem.

Not even sure it’s newsworthy

I read that their parking spaces are full. So I don't get how they're ever going to get home. I mean, I'm sure they will, but are the Americans going to have to ask the Russians if they can park in one of their spots (interestingly, they have 3 to americas 2).

I’d find it bad enough if I’d gone on holiday for a week and ended up not being able to come home for 8 months but to be stuck in space??? It’s quite a big deal.

@2024intake even knowing they're OK,with food snd facilities, it's still pretty bloody huge (to me at least! ) I'm glad you agree

In general people who make it into space have wanted to go their entire lives, and trained for years in readiness. While I'm sure it's an inconvenience for them, they will have been prepared, and everybody who goes into space understands it's a Big Deal that comes with some uncertainties.

They'll be fine.

They can undock the Starliner capsule remotely and return it to earth without anyone in it, freeing up its docking port for use by the SpaceX Dragon capsule that's due in September.

There is something deeply appealing about this!

They will always know when they go up that there is the chance that things may change.
they’ve been up before (Sunita Williams has an absolutely great video showing a tour of the ISS on YouTube from one of her other trips up) it won’t be terrifying for them, they’re well trained, know things can change.

They should never have gone after their initial flight was cancelled. Obviously there were still problems with the craft. They could be dead.

Going into space is intrinsically very dangerous. There is no natural oxygen, gravitational field strength is minimal and the natural temperature is close to 0 Kelvin. In short, it is a very hostile environment!

I think astronauts are both physically and mentally tough and are well aware of the risks.

They will be bored but, doubtless, can get involved in the Science experiments. But 8 months in the ISS would be a lot better than 8 months in prison. They will be fine.

It's like another Titan Sub situation

I was horrified when this first hit the news and even more so when I saw the latest update this morning. The quest for space exploration leaves me cold; I've never understood it, but I would think the astronauts being blasted into the unknown are more than well aware of, and mentally prepared for, all possibilities.

To me, this is the real-life version of Bowie's "Space Odyssey" - "Here I am floating 'round my tin can, far above the moon".

Just a thought...

How do you get a hair trim in the ISS? You wouldn't want bits of hair floating all over the place. I'd look like a yeti after 8 months.