Like most kids my age, I was very much into NASA's space program. I followed all of the space flights, and ate space food sticks just like the real astronauts. I also wondered things that kids would wonder - how do astronauts sleep when they are floating around? What happens when they sneeze? How do astronauts go to the bathroom?
Today, that last question was answered for me in an awesome article: Space Poop: Astronaut Toilet Explained. When fancy intellectuals talk about the space program, that's usually not their focus. However, while it took a lot of genius-level people to get a capsule into space, it took a whole lot of supporting genii to make all of the little details work. In fact, when Alan Shepard made his historic flight, there was no way for him to relieve himself. He had to pee in his space suit. I'm sure that made that roomful of engineers feel a little sheepish.
The next time you feel that your job isn't as important as anyone else's work, remember how important the small details are. I'm sure all of the astronauts after Shepard appreciate the work of the guy who designed the space toilet.
Today, that last question was answered for me in an awesome article: Space Poop: Astronaut Toilet Explained. When fancy intellectuals talk about the space program, that's usually not their focus. However, while it took a lot of genius-level people to get a capsule into space, it took a whole lot of supporting genii to make all of the little details work. In fact, when Alan Shepard made his historic flight, there was no way for him to relieve himself. He had to pee in his space suit. I'm sure that made that roomful of engineers feel a little sheepish.
The next time you feel that your job isn't as important as anyone else's work, remember how important the small details are. I'm sure all of the astronauts after Shepard appreciate the work of the guy who designed the space toilet.