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Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

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Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#21

Post by verst »

mattnewton wrote: post #18
brotherofsteel wrote: post #8

Given how few people we can afford to send into space, is it too much to ask that we send the best people we have? Leave the identity politics back on Earth.

The problem occurs when someone thinks they can determine “best” from traits that probably don’t actually matter in space, like being shorter than average or having uneven legs. I found the movie Gattaca to be a surprisingly good argument for this position despite being fiction and entertainment first and foremost.

You mean Gattaca. The spelling was chosen to only contain the 4 chemical DNA bases. :)

(And I completely agree with your comment)

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#22

Post by ceejayoz »

brotherofsteel wrote: post #8

Given how few people we can afford to send into space, is it too much to ask that we send the best people we have? Leave the identity politics back on Earth.

Sure. That's the point. Some of the "best people we have" may have disabilities that don't affect their ability to work in space.

Someone without legs might be more nimble in zero-G. (Hell, there's probably even a significant weight savings.)

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#23

Post by the_lonely_road »

I’ve always wondered if NASAs obsession with “perfect astronauts” really had enough merit to warrant itself. My personal conspiracy theory was it was more about not losing face to the USSR then it was any practical need.

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#24

Post by ISL »

anthony_romeo wrote: post #16
brotherofsteel wrote: post #8

Given how few people we can afford to send into space, is it too much to ask that we send the best people we have? Leave the identity politics back on Earth.

I don't care for this sort of discrimination. What if the guy with no legs is also the best for the job? You're gonna exclude 'em "just because"?

In space, legs are not required.

To get out of a gravity well, being light is good.

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#26

Post by freshair »

mattnewton wrote: post #18
brotherofsteel wrote: post #8

Given how few people we can afford to send into space, is it too much to ask that we send the best people we have? Leave the identity politics back on Earth.

The problem occurs when someone thinks they can determine “best” from traits that probably don’t actually matter in space, like being shorter than average or having uneven legs. I found the movie Gattaca to be a surprisingly good argument for this position despite being fiction and entertainment first and foremost.

> The problem occurs when someone thinks they can determine “best” from traits that probably don’t actually matter in space, like being shorter than average

You got me curious so I looked it up. NASA requires that astronauts be at least 62 inches (5'2", aka 1.57 meters.) So they already permit astronauts to be substantially shorter than average. They wouldn't take people with dwarfism I guess, or people without legs.

If I had to guess, these requirements exist because they need people who are compatible with existing equipment. For instance, astronauts on the ISS do not get personalized EVA suits; they pick one that fits from those which are already up there. Perhaps somebody without legs could fit in a suit with legs just fine (stuff the legs with some towels maybe, if the legs flopping around is a problem?) But for somebody with dwarfism or a related disorder, I can see this being a legitimate problem.

Incidentally, NASA also discriminates against the tall. For the Mercury program they wouldn't take anybody over 71 inches (5'11") and today they won't take anybody over 75 inches (6'3"). This doubtlessly is due to equipment that isn't sized for taller people.

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#27

Post by _aunn »

gostsamo wrote: post #13
brotherofsteel wrote: post #8

Given how few people we can afford to send into space, is it too much to ask that we send the best people we have? Leave the identity politics back on Earth.

I'm downvoting because you imply that having body abnormalities makes someone lower quality person. A disability should not be taken into account if it is not significant for the job (a rather personal bias).

i agree with the second half of your comment, but with regards to the first part, don’t you think that space travel — an endeavor that subjects the human body and mind to immense, unadapted-for stress — can/should only be undertaken by the most physically and mentally capable?

we’re hardly experts at space travel (google says only 533 people have been to orbit). given that number, any disability is significant for the job of going to space at this point, especially when every action can potentially bring immediate death to everyone around you.

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#28

Post by btkramer9 »

galgalesh wrote: post #9

My dream of going into space was shattered when I got the news that my heart was enlarged and I needed surgery to replace my aorta valve. Between the life-long dependence on blood thinners and the already-weakened heart, I don't think I'll ever be able to go.

Are you me? I've always wanted to go into space and I have the same heart condition. I found your blog where you posted about it further and I get the same migraines too lmao. I'll shoot you an email. Mine is my username at gmail. Cheers!

Re: Astronauts with disabilities can apply to Europe's space agency for first time

#29

Post by redis_mlc »

systemvoltage wrote: post #14
galgalesh wrote: post #9

My dream of going into space was shattered when I got the news that my heart was enlarged and I needed surgery to replace my aorta valve. Between the life-long dependence on blood thinners and the already-weakened heart, I don't think I'll ever be able to go.

Many people can’t become pilots (pre requisite) because of poor eye sight.

Well, the full story is ...

The vast majority of pilot applicants don't really need to be concerned with their vision:

- civil: will pass the vision requirements with correction to 20/20 near (the instrument panel) and far with glasses, contacts or surgery.

- US military: last time I checked, one service allows laser surgery, and the others are evaluating it.

I don't recommend eye surgery for civil pilots because of the risk of infection, sparkling, regulatory changes and changes in eye geometry in middle-age.

Note that DUIs and epilepsy are disqualifying, and heart problems usually make things difficult.

Source: pilot.

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