Impressive records of famous astronauts
While performing space missions, some astronauts have set impressive records that have earned public admiration and respect.
How do NASA astronauts vote from space?
The US presidential election is one of the most watched events not only by Americans but also by the whole world. Many Americans are heading to the polls — but some of those votes will have to travel a long way, even from beyond Earth. That’s the case for NASA astronauts working on the International Space Station (ISS). They will have to plan to cast their ballots from more than 400km above the Earth’s surface, a process that is complicated but also very interesting.
There is a system in place to ensure that American astronauts can still exercise their civic rights during this momentous event, although they will have to fill out an absentee ballot because there simply aren't any polling stations in space.
Astronauts like NASA’s Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli personally cast their ballots in the Texas primary this March, using an electronic system designed to securely and accurately transmit the astronauts’ electronic ballots to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they are then sent to state offices for processing.
Although it may sound like a hassle, astronauts have expressed excitement about voting from space. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are expected to stay on the ISS longer than originally planned due to a problem with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, so they won’t be able to vote in person like they have in past elections. However, they are excited and believe that voting from space will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The need for astronauts to participate in elections in space was actually raised in the late 1990s, when NASA astronaut John Blaha (Mir space station) said he wanted to vote, but there was no safe and effective way to do so. It wasn't until a year later that the system was set up, in conjunction with the Texas state legislature, and David Wolf became the first US astronaut to vote from space in 1997.
There are some complications with the process, however. Marta Durham, an instructor in charge of the Crew Support Division at NASA, explains that absentee ballots must be signed by hand, not electronically, so they typically try to sign the ballots before the astronauts leave Earth. But in the case of Wilmore and Williams, because the astronauts were forced to stay on the space station longer than expected, they needed to print out the ballots in space, sign them, and then scan the corresponding signatures. The problem is that the scanner uses glasses, and glasses are not allowed on the ISS for safety reasons.
Eventually, Durham ran some tests and found that the iPads astronauts use on the station have cameras that work well enough as scanners—the only remaining challenge was getting the paper to lie flat in zero gravity. But eventually, both Wilmore and Williams were able to vote.
How do astronauts breathe in space?
Engineers have had to come up with some unique ways to create oxygen in the vacuum of space. Here's how astronauts breathe in space.
Where does astronaut poop go?
The stunning meteor shower that streaks across the night sky may be caused by something more... organic. Next time you see a shooting star, know this: It could be astronaut poop.
What happens to an astronauts body after 9 months in space?
What happens to the human body after spending nearly nine months in space? It turns out the effects are surprising, and you don't have to be a scientist to appreciate them.
How astronauts stay healthy and fit in space
Space has never been an easy place to live. Going into space and living in microgravity for long periods of time has many effects on the human body, from vision loss to fluid accumulation in the upper body.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Training Error Video Lag
Tired of Microsoft Teams "Training Error" Video Lag ruining your meetings? Follow our step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for smooth video calls—no more frustration!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error occurred During Sign-In
Frustrated by Microsoft Teams "Error occurred" during sign-in? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, reset app, and more for seamless login. Works on Windows, Mac & web.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Call Error Disconnecting
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Call Error" Disconnecting? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for call drops, network issues, and more. Get back to seamless meetings fast with our expert troubleshooting guide.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error 2603: Login Loop Fix
Stuck in Microsoft Teams Error 2603 login loop? Get proven step-by-step fixes to resolve the issue fast and restore seamless teamwork. Clear cache, reset, reinstall – all covered!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Voice Call Error
Tired of Microsoft Teams voice call errors? Follow our step-by-step guide to troubleshoot no audio, echo, or call drops. Proven fixes for crystal-clear calls every time.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows Error Power Automate
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Workflows Error" in Power Automate? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve connection issues, permissions, and more. Get your workflows running smoothly today!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Reddit Popular Error Fixes
Tired of Microsoft Teams crashes, black screens, and sign-in loops? Unlock Reddit's most popular, proven fixes to resolve common Microsoft Teams errors quickly and get back to productive meetings. Step-by-step guides inside!
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Error 53003: Access Denied
Tired of Microsoft Teams Error 53003 Access Denied blocking your meetings? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to troubleshoot and resolve it quickly – no tech expertise needed!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Media Error During Calls
Tired of Microsoft Teams media errors ruining your calls? Follow our expert, step-by-step guide to fix audio, video, and media issues quickly. Restore crystal-clear meetings today!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Classic Login Error
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Classic" login error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, reset credentials, and more—no tech skills needed!
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Test Call Mic Error
Struggling with Microsoft Teams Test Call mic error? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting for microphone issues, from quick checks to advanced fixes. Restore crystal-clear audio in minutes!
Solving Microsoft Teams Error AADSTS90023: Invalid Authentication
Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error AADSTS90023 Invalid Authentication? Discover step-by-step fixes to resolve this Azure AD issue quickly. Clear cache, reset credentials, and get back to seamless collaboration today!
Solving Microsoft Teams Error 1200: Step-by-Step Recovery
Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error 1200? Discover proven step-by-step fixes to resolve connection issues, clear cache, and get back to seamless collaboration. Quick recovery tips inside!
Why is My Microsoft Teams Status Stuck on Away?
Frustrated with your Microsoft Teams status stuck on 'Away'? Uncover the top reasons like idle timeouts and power settings, plus step-by-step fixes to get back to 'Available' fast. Updated with the latest Teams features.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error: Administrator Has Disabled Chat
Stuck with Microsoft Teams error "Administrator Has Disabled Chat"? Discover proven step-by-step solutions for admins and users to restore chat functionality fast. No tech skills needed!