28 Feb 2013

February 28th



After enduring a quarter of a century together, a wedded couple could achieve stardom and be read about in history books for generations to come.

designbuilt-network.com
The Inspiration Mars Foundation plans to send a middle-aged married couple into space—this one a round trip to Mars and back. Fifty years ago on Christmas Eve 1968, during the Opollo 8's first circumnavigation of the moon, the whole world listened to astronauts' reflections while looking down at the Earth from space. The foundation intends to start its one-and-a-half-year mission in January 2018 if it can raise enough funds. Read the article here.

They plan to choose an older couple whose relationship would be able to withstand the stress of living in a confined environment for two years. During the selection process, they will look for a resilient couple that would be able to maintain a happy upbeat attitude in the face of adversity. Even carefully screened individuals are likely to suffer from psychological problems from a prolonged space mission. People find long periods of isolation very challenging. In theory, living close to someone you truly cared for would help. 

mars.jpl.nasa.gov
Even though the couple would receive extensive training and would be able to draw on psychological support from mission control throughout the mission, there would be no getting off the spacecraft—they must stay for the duration of the trip.

I don't know about you, but wouldn't look forward to being cramped up with my loved-one for two years without enough room to even wear a space-suit, recycling pee and eating dried food. No matter how close, any married couple has their disagreements. My husband and I are generally harmonious, but a small thing can set off a bomb which will drive us apart until we work through the problem. All pleasure would be gone from life—eating, entertainment and a stroll in the park to contact nature. 

Anyone for a cramped trip into space for two years?

10 comments:

  1. No, that is not for me. I have to know I have the option of going out.

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    1. I wonder what couple would be saintly enough to sign on for the duration?

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  2. You are a brave woman, Francene, to even consider this.Perhaps a couple well-versed in meditation could confront space and time and each other on such a journey! Fascinating.

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    1. No way am I considering the two-year trip. I might meditate, but my husband would rather blow his stack if he's annoyed. Sounds like hell to me. Where's the door?

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  3. I don't think any humans are ready for such a journey. We need better tech to accomplish it faster, which may come with newly designed warp engines NASA is working on.

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    1. I think they should be frozen in sleep for the duration to avoid emotional conflict.

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  4. I have no interest in that. I love my husband, but we do need our space and alone time too. A space capsule is way too cozy. I'm hyperventilating as I type this. Whew!

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    1. I agree. Private time and personal space are so important.

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  5. No way! I'd go insane! I'm off to lunch with my writing friends today. Imagine not being able to even go for a walk round the block to get a break never mind ladies who lunch events. I wonder what sort of couple would go for it.

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    1. I guess couples belonging to the space shuttle groups will have plenty of contenders. After all, they'll need training.

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Please tell me what YOU think.