Have you ever met someone who has been to space? If so, you probably had a million questions for them! If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet an astronaut before, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of questions for you to ask an astronaut the next time you have the chance.
45 Questions that will help you get started:
- What inspired you to become an astronaut?
- How many times have you been in space?
- How many times did you apply before you were selected?
- How long did your training last and what did it entail?
- What was your first mission, and how did it make you feel?
- What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being an astronaut?
- What’s the most exciting thing that happened during one of your missions?
- What’s the farthest object from the earth you’ve ever been to?
- What do you miss most about the earth while you’re in space?
- How do you entertain yourself during a long mission?
- Do you ever get homesick while in space? If so, how do you deal with it?
- How do you sleep in space? Where do you sleep?
- Do astronauts float all the time or only intermittently? When do they float and when do they not float?
- Do astronauts eat regular food or special space food? If they eat special space food, what does it taste like?
- Do people age differently in space? If so, how does aging in space differ from aging on Earth?
- Can people in space have children or adopt children from the earth while living in space stations or on other planets?
- What challenges does living in space present that people don’t normally think about?
- Are there any missions that you weren’t able to participate in but wish you had?
- What does a day in the life of an astronaut look like?
- What kind of research do astronauts conduct while in space?
- Have you been able to establish any routines in space or does everything operate on a strict schedule?
- Has there ever been an emergency in your career as an astronaut so far?
- How do you stay in touch with your family and friends while on missions?
- Do astronauts get homesick in space or do they feel more at home among the stars?
- How do you prepare for a space mission?
- How do you stay healthy in space?
- What do you do for fun in space?
- What are the long-term effects of living in space?
- What other jobs did you have before you became an astronaut?
- How long does a mission in space usually last? And how many times have you been on a mission?
- How has space exploration changed since you first became an astronaut?
- What are some of the biggest misconceptions about space travel?
- What are some of the dangers of space travel?
- What precautions do astronauts take to avoid hazards in space?
- How does the lack of gravity affect the human body during space travel?
- Do astronauts experience culture shock when they return to Earth after an extended stay in space?
- How has your experience as an astronaut affected your personal life?
- Is there anything in space that has surprised you since you became an astronaut?
- How do people react when they meet you and learn that you’re an astronaut?
- Have people ever asked you if they can hitch a ride on one of your space missions?
- What do you think are some of the most important discoveries astronauts have made?
- What are your plans after your astronaut career is over?
- Will you continue to be involved with NASA or pursue other interests outside of space exploration?
- What do you think about the future of humanity in space exploration and where do you think our species is headed?
- Do you have any advice for aspiring astronauts who may become discouraged along the way?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first astronaut?
The first astronaut was Yuri Gagarin. He was a Russian pilot who became the first man to journey into space on April 12, 1961. Gagarin’s spacecraft, Vostok 1, took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and orbited the Earth for 108 minutes.
How long is astronaut training?
Training can take up to two years or more, and astronauts must pass many tests to qualify for the job. They must be able to operate complex machinery, know how to handle themselves in difficult situations, and be in excellent physical condition.
Only the best of the best are selected to become astronauts, and their dedication and hard work make them the best-qualified people in the world.
Why do astronauts wear suits?
Astronauts wear suits because they need to be in a high-pressure environment. Without a suit, the pressure difference between their bodies and space would cause them to inflate like a balloon. The suits also protect them from the vacuum in space and extreme temperatures.
Why is it difficult to be an astronaut?
It’s difficult to be an astronaut because it requires a lot of training and experience. It also requires a lot of physical and mental strength. Astronauts have to be able to handle stressful situations, and they have to be able to work well in a team.
Conclusion
No matter how many times we see astronauts on TV or read about their adventures in books, it’s still fascinating to experience firsthand what it’s like to live and work in space!
We hope this list of questions satisfies your curiosity the next time you have the opportunity to talk to an astronaut. And who knows, maybe one day YOU will be the one answering these questions for curious onlookers!
