Discovery News: Space Diary

A Bit of Privacy in Space

Europe developed its unmanned cargo ship to send fuel and supplies to the International Space Station. But it’s turned out the vessel has another purpose as well. For the past few weeks, it’s been serving as a washroom and spare bedroom for the live-aboard crew.

The first Automated Transfer Vehicle, called Jules Verne, arrived at the station in April with supplies and fuel for the orbital outpost. Within a few weeks, flight controllers got an unexpected request from the crew, who wanted to wash up and sleep in the ATV.

Instead of using the usual “Crew Hygiene Station,” located in the Russian Zvezda service module -- the main living quarters for the ISS -- crewmembers are using the ATV for sponge baths (there’s no shower in space) and rinse-free shampoos.

“The ATV's pressurized cabin offers the crew a large space (and) a lot of privacy,” noted Hervé Côme, the ATV mission director in Toulouse, France.

The makeshift washroom also helps lower the station’s humidity levels, he added.

It’s also apparently quieter than other parts of the station, making it a cozy nook to hang a sleeping bag for the night. The station has just two built-in crew cabins, leaving one man out when it comes time to bunk down.

The ATV is a temporary shelter, however. Once its fuel tanks are drained later this summer, the Jules Verne is expected to be detached from the station and removed from orbit, paving the way for an eventual replacement. It’ll provide one last service as it plunges through the atmosphere: carry the crew’s trash.

So, You Want to be an Astronaut?

Germany's Hans Schlegel aboard the space shuttle. That's the space station out the window.

It’s been 12 years since the European Space Agency added astronauts to the payroll, but apparently the time has come.

The agency put out a ‘Help Wanted’ call yesterday, citing its increased commitment to the International Space Station and plans to travel to the moon, presumably as part of NASA’s new exploration initiative.

The journey to outer space begins in cyberspace, with a link to fill out an online application.

An ESA press release states that applicants will be asked to enter some personal information and contact details, and to upload a private-pilot medical examination certificate or ESA medical statement. Within a day, candidates will get an email with information to login and fill out a detailed application form.

A few candidates will be interviewed and evaluated, with a final selection expected to be announced next year.

ESA says astronaut-candidates need a high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields, possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus.

Equally important is excellent physical condition, as astronauts have to undergo intensive periods of training and may participate in spaceflights that last for months. During this time their body will be subject to a great deal of stress and good health and physical endurance are essential.

If you don’t like working with people, move on. ESA writes, “It is a challenge to live in a confined space for long periods with other people. Among the psychological qualities required are the ability to get on well with other members of the crew, and an affinity for teamwork and adaptability… Would-be astronauts also need self-control and an equable temperament to cope with stress and any emergency that may arise.”

Oh, and candidates must be willing to travel long distances, both on Earth and in space, and spend long periods of time away from home.

From Earth to the Space Station

Europe’s new cargo ship, the Jules Verne, slipped into a docking berth at the International Space Station today, delivering eight tons of supplies and a book, Jules Verne’s “From Earth to the Moon.”

Written in 1865, the humorous French science fiction tale “De la Terre à la Lune” was one of the first in the genre and served as an inspiration for the first sci-fi movie “A Trip to the Moon,” released in 1902.

The European Space Agency developed the Automated Transfer Vehicle line of cargo ships as part of its contribution to the space station program and plans to fly about once a year. Aboard the first ship, named for the visionary author, is a rare 19th century edition of “From Earth to the Moon” and two of his original manuscripts on space and astronomy.

Here's a clip of the ATV final approach to the station: