Brains On! Science podcast for kids The life of a NASA astronaut
Jun 3, 2025
NASA astronaut Kayla Barron, who lived on the International Space Station for 177 days, shares her incredible journey in space. She dives into the rigorous astronaut training and the collaborative spirit behind missions. Listeners will be amused by discussions about unique challenges in space, like adapting to zero gravity and the evolution of astronaut food. Plus, there's a humorous take on a space suit with a flatulence extractor and insights into how astronauts maintain breathable air. This cosmic conversation is both enlightening and fun!
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Early Space Food Tubes
- Early astronauts ate food paste from tubes to prevent crumbs and minimize weight.
- Yuri Gagarin enjoyed tube beef and chocolate sauce while orbiting Earth.
Sneaky Corned Beef in Space
- Astronaut John Young sneaked a corned beef sandwich onto flight and experienced crumb floating issues.
- He realized crumbs interfere with electronics and stopped eating it in space afterward.
Space-Grown Lettuce Challenges
- The first food grown in space was romaine lettuce, which tasted bitter due to low gravity stress.
- Growing plants in space reveals how microgravity challenges plant health and flavor.