What quirky tradition do astronauts have before launching into space?

In summary, it has been 60 years since humanity entered space and there have been many interesting developments and traditions that have emerged. Space travel was initially projected to progress like aviation, but it has become an extreme adventure and status expenditure. However, with the first touristic spaceflight expected within the next two years, there may be potential for more affordable options in the future. Currently, suborbital and orbital space tourism options are available at high costs, but there are plans for more affordable options in the future. While space tourism may not have the same economic incentives as air travel, it offers a unique and exciting destination that cannot be reached by any other mode of transportation.
  • #1
nduka-san
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it's been 60 years since humanity entered space. What are your favorite things about space or hidden space history tidbits?

mine is On the 12 April 1961, the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin asked the bus driver to stop on the route to the launchpad and urinated against the right-hand back tire of the bus. This act has become a tradition for all astronauts traveling into space. Female astronauts bring vials of their urine to splash on the wheel.
 
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Always found it interesting that 50-60 years ago people assumed space travel would progress like aviation. People in the 1960s had commercial jet travel 60 some years after the Wright brothers, so SF writers and other futurists projected this progress on space travel and assumed we would now be living in a world like in the 2001 movie.
 
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  • #3
The space between galaxies is not completely empty but has an average of one atom per cubic meter. There are an estimated 100-400 billion stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way. The universe is observed to be 13.8 billion years old and has been expanding since its formation in the Big Bang.
 
  • #4
@BWV: It took a bit longer, but we can expect the first touristic spaceflight within the next two years, and likely multiple flights.

Suborbital (~$200,000/passenger):
The New Shepard capsule that's expected to fly passengers has been tested in flight. It has a realistic chance to fly people this year.
The SpaceShipTwo vehicle that's expected to fly passengers (VSS Unity) has flown several times and recently got a passenger cabin. It has flown people many times, but only crew so far. Might get paying passengers this year or next year.

Orbital (~$50 million/passenger):
Crew Dragon is operational and has flown NASA and JAXA astronauts already. Inspiration-4 is a planned tourism mission for December 2021, AX-1 is a planned tourism mission for January 2022 and Space Adventures mission is a planned tourism mission for late 2021 or early 2022. We can expect delays, but we can also expect at least one of them to fly before the end of 2022.

This is far more expensive than airline travel, of course, but these flights can lead to the funding that makes it more affordable over time.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
@BWV: It took a bit longer, but we can expect the first touristic spaceflight within the next two years, and likely multiple flights.

Suborbital (~$200,000/passenger):
The New Shepard capsule that's expected to fly passengers has been tested in flight. It has a realistic chance to fly people this year.
The SpaceShipTwo vehicle that's expected to fly passengers (VSS Unity) has flown several times and recently got a passenger cabin. It has flown people many times, but only crew so far. Might get paying passengers this year or next year.

Orbital (~$50 million/passenger):
Crew Dragon is operational and has flown NASA and JAXA astronauts already. Inspiration-4 is a planned tourism mission for December 2021, AX-1 is a planned tourism mission for January 2022 and Space Adventures mission is a planned tourism mission for late 2021 or early 2022. We can expect delays, but we can also expect at least one of them to fly before the end of 2022.

This is far more expensive than airline travel, of course, but these flights can lead to the funding that makes it more affordable over time.

The first transpacific flights on Pan Am clippers in the 1930s cost less than $40K in today's dollars, but the key point is this is not actual travel - there is no destination here, its an extreme adventure and status expenditure. People had compelling personal and economic reasons for air travel which may never exist for space. Maybe the dying on Mars thing that became trendy in Silicon Valley a few years back, will become a reality, but I suspect that talk like this is easy for a 30-40 year old.
 
  • #6
Suborbital Earth to Earth flights would have a destination with a large demand now, but that would compete with airplanes. Space tourism has space as destination and no competing mode of transportation.
 

1. What is the origin of the tradition of eating a pre-launch meal of steak and eggs?

The tradition of eating steak and eggs before a space launch dates back to the early days of the space program. Astronauts were often served steak and eggs as part of their pre-flight breakfast, and it became a symbol of the American spirit and tradition. Over time, it became a tradition for astronauts to continue this meal before launching into space.

2. Why do astronauts plant trees before their space missions?

Astronauts often plant trees before their space missions as a way to symbolize growth and new beginnings. It is also a way to honor the Earth and the environment, as astronauts will be leaving the planet for an extended period of time.

3. What is the significance of wearing a lucky charm before launching into space?

Many astronauts have a lucky charm or talisman that they bring with them on their space missions. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and protection to the astronauts during their journey. It also serves as a reminder of their loved ones and the support they have back on Earth.

4. Why do astronauts write their names on the walls of the launch pad?

Writing their names on the walls of the launch pad is a way for astronauts to leave their mark and be remembered in history. It is also a symbol of their bravery and dedication to their mission, as they are about to embark on a dangerous and historic journey into space.

5. What is the reason behind the tradition of playing music before takeoff?

Playing music before takeoff is a way for astronauts to relax and calm their nerves before the intense and high-pressure launch. It also serves as a way to boost morale and create a sense of camaraderie among the crew. The music selection is often chosen by the astronauts themselves and can range from classical to modern songs.

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