Elon Musk Wants to Send Humans to Mars by 2026. We May Not Survive the Journey
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In space, nobody can hear you scream but you may not be in a Sandra-Bullock scenario, nor may you be in an Aliens scenario. Space may hurt you, even if you put the science-fiction aside.
The danger may in fact, not even be external but internal. A new study found that energy-producing structures in cells might be the reason astronauts face health risk while in space. Over the years astronauts have reported loss of bone and muscle, while some have developed immune disorders or heart and liver issues - all which have been may be triggered by the same thing.
In this bi-weekly series reviewing classic science fiction and fantasy books, Alan Brown looks at the front lines and frontiers of the field; books about soldiers and spacers, scientists and engineers, explorers and adventurers. Stories full of what Shakespeare used to refer to as “alarums and excursions”: battles, chases, clashes, and the stuff of excitement.
This column, up until now, has been devoted to exploring works of fiction. But looking around my den recently, I realized there have been many non-fiction books that influenced my view of the future. Today, I’m going to look at one of my early favorites, written by a pioneer of rocketry, Willy Ley. In the 1960s, it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of the space program, and I was fortunate to have a dad who worked in aerospace and was a collector of all sorts of fascinating books on scientific topics.
In the 1920s, people bundled up for flights.
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Planes during this time usually held fewer than 20 passengers, reached a cruising altitude of 3,000 feet or less, and were slower than traveling by train. During this time, planes were flying at speeds of around 100 mph, had to stop to refuel often, and could only travel by day.
Flying in the 1920s was also an uncomfortable experience for passengers because it was loud and cold, as planes were made of uninsulated sheets of metal that shook loudly in the wind.
Cabins were also completely unpressurized.
Nonetheless, air travel gained in popularity.
The Soviets started ahead, but America caught up and surpassed Moscow.
Key point: The Soviets put a lot of money and effort into their space program. However, America managed to beat them to putting a man on the Moon.
Perhaps one of the most well-known quotes of the 20th century was said on July 20th, 1969. “That s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong said these words right after becoming the first man on the moon.
While both the United States and the Soviet Union had top-notch space programs, why did the United States leave the USSR behind?