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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

#11

Post by NovemberWhiskey »

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.

Well, that seems to me to be an argument in favor of having the widest possible applicant pool, rather than narrowing it.

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

#12

Post by kingsuper20 »

anthony_romeo wrote: post #5
dahfizz wrote: post #2

This feels a bit played up. They are allowing short people to apply to be astronauts; I wouldn't consider that championing inclusion and diversity.

You ignored the first bullet of the three, which was: "They have a lower limb deficiency (for example, due to amputation or congenital limb deficiency)"

You could argue that an optimum space-human has amputated legs.

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

#13

Post by gostsamo »

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).

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

#14

Post by systemvoltage »

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.

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

#15

Post by sterlind »

kingsuper20 wrote: post #12
anthony_romeo wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You ignored the first bullet of the three, which was: "They have a lower limb deficiency (for example, due to amputation or congenital limb deficiency)"

You could argue that an optimum space-human has amputated legs.

I read a scifi story as a kid where the protagonist was paralyzed. in space, her disability actually gave her an advantage because she adapted much more easily to moving through the station.

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

#16

Post by anthony_romeo »

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"?

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

#17

Post by gostsamo »

dahfizz wrote: post #2

This feels a bit played up. They are allowing short people to apply to be astronauts; I wouldn't consider that championing inclusion and diversity.

I'm blind and though a big cosmos fan, I know that I'm not fit for the job and would not expect to be included. However, this might not be true for people with other disabilities and if they are fit for the job, it is pretty logical the requirements to be adjusted in order to allow them to participate.

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

#18

Post by mattnewton »

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.

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

#20

Post by _Microft »

kingsuper20 wrote: post #12
anthony_romeo wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You ignored the first bullet of the three, which was: "They have a lower limb deficiency (for example, due to amputation or congenital limb deficiency)"

You could argue that an optimum space-human has amputated legs.

Astronauts hook their feet under handles to stay in place while doing things on the I.S.S. They do this so extensively that they develop callus on top of their feet and loose it on their heels. Once back on Earth walking without hardened skin on the heels is said to be painful until they have re-developed it.

Here is an account of astronaut Scott Kelly: https://www.businessinsider.com/scott-kelly-weirdest-thing-y...

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