Space
Photo: NASA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Space tourism has been a dream of humanity for millennia. While in orbit or in free fall near Earth, you can float inside a spacecraft and view the planet from a unique vantage point. Though commercial space tourism has arrived, it is only for a privileged few. However, with recent innovations, it may be accessible to many soon. While very few can go to space, anyone with good eyes can see it for free. They can also do amateur astronomy, visit spaceflight sites, or learn about it.
RegionsOuter space or simply space is the great empty above us. The most common definition is that space begins just 100 km above Earth's sea level, a boundary known as the Kármán line.
Other destinationsBesides these natural destinations mentioned above and staying inside a spacecraft, there are two space stations in operation as of May 2023.
UnderstandGlory to those who look forward!Glory to those who go forward!Our path starts from the present—To the bright future!Our path starts from the present—To the coming years!
TalkLike polar bases and other multinational ventures, space travel uses the languages of the craft's operators.
Get inGiven ships or sails adapted to the breezes of heaven, there will be those who will not shrink from even that vast expanse.
Get aroundMost space travelers remain inside their spacecraft and use its propulsion systems to get around.
SeeSightseeing in space is a must – after all, isn't it attractive? There, the Earth's boundaries are visible, making quite a few space visitors experiencing a shift in their awareness, dubbed the "overview effect".
DoOnce you're there, there are a lot of activities to do. You can do extravehicular activities (EVA), better known as space-walking, means exiting the spacecraft to float around in space.
LearnLearning in space is a bit different from Earth. Instead of sitting in a lecture hall, you will do experiments that will advance our human knowledge.
WorkAstronauts perform many tasks as they orbit Earth.
BuyFor most of us stuck down here on Earth, there are a lot of souvenirs at the space centers.
EatAlthough space food has come a long way in terms of appeal and variety, the quality and flavor are still not up to standards of most connoisseurs of fine cuisine.
DrinkLike space food, space drinks are mainly freeze-dried and packaged in plastic pouches.
SleepWhile sleeping in zero gravity may sound relaxing, the overall experience is mediocre. As usual, you're free to choose your pyjamas, provided that they aren't very loose.
Stay safeIf you obtain a legitimate ticket to orbit, you will still need to pass through very intensive training and face with a real risk of dying.
Stay healthyAstronaut training is physically demanding, so good physical fitness is a good starting point.
ConnectIn the past, communications are usually very low bandwidth, with flight data and audio transmitted by low-gain antennas. Higher data rate is now available, thankfully, and now astronauts can stream movies in space.
CopeElectrical systems in space are vastly different compared to Earth. This is because space stations are international projects, which need to reach a compromise for all countries involved.
Go nextWhat goes up must come down—at least for now. Once you've exhausted the Moon, there are countless opportunities for exploration and discovery down on Earth.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Space" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: NASA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons