1. NASA was once sued for landing on Mars
In 1997, an intriguing legal spectacle unraveled when three Yemeni men decided to sue NASA for landing a spacecraft on Mars. Their claim was audacious; they believed they were the rightful inheritors of the Red Planet, tracing their lineage back 3,000 years, and even claimed to possess supporting documentation.
However, NASA swiftly dismissed the audacious claim, referring to an international treaty from 1967. This treaty clearly states that extraterrestrial territories belong to all of humanity, rendering individual or national claims moot. Such events, though seemingly bizarre, highlight the complexities and unforeseen challenges space exploration can present, even on the legal front.
2. There’s a NASA program to protect aliens from human bacteria
While humans have always been intrigued by the possibility of extraterrestrial life, NASA has proactively established an Office of Planetary Protection. Contrary to what one might assume, this isn’t to shield us from potential extraterrestrial threats.
Its primary role is to ensure that any life forms on other planets remain uncontaminated by Earth-born bacteria. This precautionary step underscores NASA’s dedication not just to exploration, but also to the ethical implications of interplanetary interactions, emphasizing the sanctity of preserving alien ecosystems.
3. NASA hopes to send humans to Mars by 2030
Ambitious goals shape the trajectory of space exploration, and for NASA, setting foot on Mars by 2030 is among the most audacious. Former President Barack Obama outlined this vision, emphasizing the significance of the Red Planet in our pursuit of understanding the universe.
The maiden mission is foreseen as a foundational trip, focusing on transporting astronauts to Mars and safely returning them. Yet, the vision extends beyond just a brief sojourn; NASA, as emphasized by Obama, hopes to establish a longer, sustained human presence on Mars in the subsequent missions.
4. The original moon-landing tapes were wiped
In 2006, NASA faced a potentially catastrophic revelation: the original recordings of the iconic 1969 moon landings had vanished. When the tapes were eventually located, another shock awaited – they were blank, having been erased to save on costs. It was a somber moment that could’ve meant the loss of one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
However, in a stroke of luck, CBS had retained copies of the original broadcast, preventing a monumental historical loss and, undoubtedly, sparing the organization from immense embarrassment.
5. NASA pays people to stay in bed
Imagine earning $18,000 by simply lying in bed for 70 consecutive days. This might sound like a dream job, and indeed, NASA occasionally offers this opportunity through its “Bed Rest Studies.” These studies are designed to understand the effects of prolonged inactivity on the human body, simulating conditions astronauts might experience during extended space travel.
By participating, individuals contribute valuable data, helping NASA devise strategies to maintain astronaut health in space. This unconventional research approach underscores the lengths to which NASA goes to ensure the well-being of its astronauts.
6. The Super Soaker was invented by a NASA scientist
The versatility of NASA’s team is astonishingly broad, exemplified by scientist Lonnie Johnson. While he garnered recognition within NASA for his contributions to the original stealth bomber project, he also had a surprise up his sleeve.
Johnson invented the beloved Super Soaker water pistol, which became a household sensation after its 1990 release. His dual achievements serve as a testament to the multifaceted talents that NASA’s team possesses, bridging military technology and playful innovation.
7. This big bang can’t be explained
Space, a vast expanse of mysteries, often presents phenomena that baffle even the sharpest scientific minds. One such enigma surfaced in 2009 when a device detected an inexplicable signal emanating from light-years away.
Described by NASA scientist Alan Kogut as a “booming noise” magnitudes louder than anticipated, this sound remains one of the universe’s unsolved puzzles. Such mysteries underscore the sheer vastness of our universe and the countless secrets it holds.
8. Your toaster could basically put a man on the moon
Technology has witnessed meteoric advancements over the decades. In a stark contrast, the computer system in the Apollo Guidance Computer of 1969 had a modest 64 kb of memory and operated at 0.043 MHz.
Today’s household appliances might boast more advanced systems than the one responsible for the monumental lunar landing. It’s a humbling comparison, reminding us of the audacity of early space missions and the remarkable feats achieved with limited technological prowess.
9. NASA was once fined $400 by Australia
In 1979, NASA experienced a somewhat embarrassing moment that showcased that even the most prestigious space organizations can have their missteps. Skylab, which had been abandoned, was intended to make its final descent into the Indian Ocean; however, fate had other plans. Instead, fragments of Skylab ended up landing on the west coast of Australia, causing a bit of a stir.
In a light-hearted response to this unintentional littering by the space agency, the Australian government playfully issued a $400 fine to NASA. While this amusing incident was largely forgotten, the tale took a delightful twist in the late 1990s. A California-based radio DJ, in a spirited nod to international camaraderie, undertook a fundraising effort to gather the funds and finally “settle” the outstanding debt between NASA and Australia.
10. You’re not an astronaut until you’ve reached 62 miles
Working at NASA doesn’t automatically bestow one with the coveted title of “astronaut.” To earn this distinction, one must venture 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth.
This demarcation, endorsed by the World Air Sports Federation, defines the boundary where space begins. Aspiring astronauts must breach this frontier to solidify their status, emphasizing the rigorous benchmarks set by the space community.
11. Forgetting to convert to metric cost $125 million
Technical oversights can have expensive repercussions, as evidenced by the unfortunate fate of the Mars Climate Orbiter. Due to a miscommunication where one team utilized imperial measurements and the other metric, a navigation error led to the loss of a $125 million spacecraft.
This blunder, while undeniably costly, underscores the intricate details and precision required in space missions and the catastrophic consequences of seemingly minor oversights.
12. Cape Canaveral’s location saves fuel
Cape Canaveral, despite its erratic weather, stands as NASA’s iconic launch site. While storms frequently batter Florida’s coastline, Cape Canaveral offers a strategic advantage, lying close to the equator.
As space historian Roger Launius highlighted, the equatorial proximity affords greater linear velocity, reducing the fuel required for spacecraft to breach Earth’s atmosphere. This choice exemplifies the myriad considerations underpinning space exploration decisions.
13. NASA designed a now-banned super-fast swimsuit
Forces of drag don’t only challenge pilots and astronauts; they also test Olympic swimmers. To address this, NASA collaborated with Speedo in 2004 to craft a drag-repelling swimsuit, leveraging their aerodynamic expertise.
Ironically, the suit’s effectiveness became its downfall, as it was later banned for offering wearers an “unfair advantage.” This episode exemplifies the unexpected intersections between space research and terrestrial applications.
14. It had to resort to looking for spacecraft parts on eBay
Adapting to technological obsolescence is a challenge even for giants like NASA. In 2002, the organization found itself on a virtual “scavenger hunt” for spacecraft parts.
Due to the outdated nature of some shuttle components, the United Space Alliance resorted to platforms like eBay to source crucial parts. This surprising endeavor underscores the evolving nature of technology and the challenges of maintaining older systems in a rapidly advancing landscape.
15. Work has begun on a warp drive
Warp drives, often relegated to the realms of sci-fi, might be closer to reality than we imagine. By 2012, NASA had already embarked on developing a warp drive akin to those in Star Trek.
This ambitious endeavor aims to bend space-time, potentially revolutionizing space travel. While still in its infancy, such explorations spotlight NASA’s relentless pursuit of pushing technological and scientific boundaries.
16. Neil Armstrong almost wasn’t an astronaut at all
Neil Armstrong’s Astronaut Application: Neil Armstrong’s historical step on the moon might never have happened if not for a fortunate twist of fate. Although now synonymous with lunar exploration, Armstrong initially missed the application deadline for NASA’s astronaut program by a week. In a world where punctuality often determines one’s future, Armstrong was poised for disappointment.
However, his late submission found its way into the considered pile, all thanks to a friend already within the agency’s ranks. Had this fortuitous intervention not occurred, the first footprint on the lunar surface might have belonged to someone else. Such turn of events highlights the serendipitous and unpredictable nature of destiny.
17. A NASA intern was jailed after having sex on the moon…
Thad Roberts and the Moon Rock Incident: In 2002, a scandal erupted within NASA involving intern Thad Roberts. Roberts, in a daring act, stole moon rocks directly from the space agency. What followed was a series of even more audacious actions. He and his girlfriend, indulging in their intimate moments, used these lunar rocks as their backdrop.
But the thrill was short-lived. Attempting to sell these invaluable lunar samples online, Roberts was apprehended, ultimately receiving a 100-month prison sentence for his indiscretions.
18. The first men on the moon had their own life insurance scheme
Apollo Astronauts’ Backup Plan: The original Apollo astronauts, tasked with the unprecedented challenge of landing on the moon, faced significant risks. Aware of the inherent dangers, traditional life insurance policies were out of their reach. However, NASA, always inventive, came up with a unique solution to provide some financial assurance to the astronauts’ families.
Before embarking on their historic journey, the astronauts signed special postcard-sized documents, termed as “insurance covers.” In the unfortunate event of a tragedy, these signed covers would have become invaluable collector’s items, providing financial security for their families. Thankfully, the worst never transpired, yet these covers remain sought-after artifacts, marking a poignant moment in space history.
19. Quinoa might fuel the future of space travel
Quinoa’s Potential Space Debut: Quinoa, the ancient grain renowned for its nutritional benefits, has caught NASA’s attention. This nutritious crop, easily digestible and nutrient-dense, is being considered as part of NASA’s Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). The CELSS program is dedicated to identifying suitable crops for long-duration space missions.
As astronauts venture deeper into space, ensuring a balanced and sustainable food source becomes imperative. Quinoa’s inclusion in potential space diets underscores the intersection of ancient grains and futuristic space exploration, bridging Earth’s agricultural heritage with the needs of interstellar journeys.
20. Space insulin is a thing
Insulin Development in Space: NASA’s commitment to human well-being extends beyond just the health of its astronauts. A notable achievement emerged in 1998 when a team of researchers grew insulin crystals aboard a space facility. These space-grown crystals, significantly larger than their Earth counterparts, paved the way for a breakthrough in diabetic care.
The resultant insulin formulation was so efficacious that diabetics only needed an injection once every three days, a marked improvement over conventional treatments. Such endeavors illustrate the potential of space research to directly impact and enhance terrestrial healthcare.
21. Snakes in space
Dr. Story Musgrave’s Mysterious Sighting: The vast expanse of space remains a realm of mystery, occasionally offering perplexing experiences even to seasoned astronauts. In a 1994 interview, Dr. Story Musgrave shared his own bewildering encounters. On two separate missions, he reported seeing a serpentine entity, describing it as a “snake” spanning six to eight feet, possessing an internal wavy motion.
This entity, intriguingly, seemed to trail the astronaut for extended periods. While many space phenomena can be explained scientifically, Musgrave’s sightings evoke intrigue, raising questions about the unknown facets of the universe.
22. The gray space station that turned orange
Samantha Cristoforetti’s Orange Space Station: Photographs of the International Space Station (ISS) typically showcase a silvery-gray structure, floating against the backdrop of space. However, Samantha Cristoforetti, a former Italian Air Force pilot and astronaut, recounted a different spectacle.
From her vantage point, the ISS was engulfed in a mesmerizing orange hue. This peculiar sight, which she vividly described in her writings, was later attributed to a rare occurrence: the sun’s rays striking the space station’s solar panels in a unique manner, casting the entire structure in an otherworldly orange light.
23. Space makes you taller
Norishige Kanai’s Height Gain: Space’s microgravity environment has various effects on the human body, one of which is a temporary increase in height. Norishige Kanai, a Japanese astronaut aboard the ISS, made headlines when he announced a staggering height gain of three and a half inches within just three weeks.
Such a rapid growth spurt would indeed have been remarkable. However, upon further assessment, Kanai retracted his statement, attributing the error to measurement discrepancies and adjusting his growth to just under an inch. This incident brings forth the challenges of accurately monitoring physiological changes in space.
24. Ghostly green light
Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr.’s UFO Encounter: Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr.’s return to Earth after his space mission was overshadowed by his extraordinary claims. While the accomplishments of his mission were commendable, it was his report of an unidentified flying object that garnered significant attention.
Cooper detailed seeing a circular entity radiating a green light, rapidly approaching his spacecraft. Although a collision was averted, the identity of this object remains a mystery, adding to the list of unexplained phenomena experienced by astronauts in space.
25. Knock, knock — who’s there?
Yang Liwei’s Mysterious Sound: During his 2003 spaceflight, Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei experienced something inexplicable. As quoted by the BBC in 2016, Liwei described hearing a sound reminiscent of someone knocking on the exterior of his spacecraft, akin to striking an iron vessel with a wooden mallet.
Bafflingly, the sound’s source was neither from within the ship nor its surroundings. Liwei’s attempts to locate the source by peering out of the capsule yielded no answers. This incident underscores space’s enigmatic nature, where the silence of the void occasionally gets punctuated by unexplainable sounds.
26. Alien bacteria?
Extraterrestrial Bacteria Claim: In 2017, a startling revelation came from Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Shkaplerov asserted that bacteria found on the exterior of the ISS were of extraterrestrial origin.
These bacteria, he elaborated, were not present during the space station’s launch, suggesting their origin from beyond Earth. Although the notion of alien microbes is captivating, Shkaplerov was quick to assuage concerns, confirming that these bacteria posed no threat.
27. It’s all in the genes
The DNA Anomaly of Scott Kelly: In a groundbreaking mission, Scott Kelly spent 340 days aboard the ISS. Upon his return in March 2016, comparisons between his DNA and that of his identical twin brother, Mark, revealed significant differences. Around seven percent of Scott’s DNA had undergone changes, an outcome that left both the astronaut and scientists astounded.
This startling discovery prompted Scott to humorously remark that he no longer needed to refer to Mark as his identical twin. NASA’s ongoing research in this domain seeks to unravel the profound effects of space on human genetics.
28. Clouds of smoke
Vladimir Kovalyonok’s Orbital Sightings: The cosmos occasionally presents sights that challenge our understanding. Vladimir Kovalyonok, a cosmonaut who spent 217 days in space, recounted one such incident to the Russian news website Pravda.ru in 2004. During his tenure aboard the Salyut orbital station, Kovalyonok observed an unidentified object, comparable in size to a finger, orbiting alongside.
This object, in a perplexing maneuver, split into two interconnected entities, resembling a dumbbell. Such accounts, while not verified, fuel speculations and intrigue about the myriad mysteries space holds.
29. Mysteries of space fire
The Flame Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX): Aboard the ISS, NASA conducts the Flame Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX) to study combustion in microgravity. As FLEX researcher Dan Dietrich explained in 2011, fire behaves distinctly in space. In the absence of Earth’s gravity, molecular diffusion governs the flow of oxygen to flames and the dispersion of combustion products, a process 100 times slower than on Earth.
This leads to a peculiar phenomenon: a spherically shaped flame with a lower temperature. These findings underline our limited understanding of elemental processes like combustion when removed from Earth’s familiar environment.
30. Was it a UFO?
Musa Manarov’s Unidentified Object: The vastness of space is punctuated with enigmatic occurrences. During his second space mission in 1991, cosmonaut Musa Manarov witnessed and filmed an unusual object while documenting a spaceship docking with the Soviet MIR space station. The footage, still accessible online, showcases a perplexing entity that defies easy explanation.
Citing the footage in Shane McMinn’s 2016 book “Conspiracies and Solar Secrets,” Manarov mused on the possibility of the object being a type of UFO. Such incidents, while not providing definitive evidence, add to the tapestry of unexplained phenomena experienced by space travelers.
31. Strange rays
Apollo 11’s Cosmic Ray Phenomenon: The Apollo 11 mission in 1969, humanity’s historic first manned flight to the Moon, was not without its moments of intrigue. During their sojourn on the Moon’s surface, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin both experienced mysterious flashes of light. Initially baffling, these unusual visual phenomena were eventually identified as cosmic rays penetrating their eyes.
These cosmic rays are comprised of high-energy sub-atomic particles. Unlike space, Earth’s atmosphere acts as a protective shield, absorbing these particles and preventing us from witnessing such mysterious visuals.
32. What did this astronaut see?
Christopher Cassidy’s Unidentified Floating Object: The year 2013 witnessed a fascinating revelation by astronaut Christopher Cassidy after his second space mission. Gazing through a porthole of the International Space Station, Cassidy spotted an unidentified object floating past. Reporting this peculiar sighting to Mission Control immediately, a whirlwind of speculation ensued.
However, by August 2013, NASA provided clarity, confirming that the mystery object was simply an antenna cover from the Zvezda service module. Despite this explanation, numerous conspiracy theorists remain adamant that Cassidy had stumbled upon evidence of a UFO.
33. Astronauts get a free facelift
Marsha Ivins and the Effects of Gravity on the Human Body: In a 2014 conversation with Wired, astronaut Marsha Ivins provided insights into the profound effects of space on the human body. She shared a fascinating revelation: in the absence of gravity, bodily fluids migrate towards the head. This effect, while providing an ephemeral facelift, comes with a less pleasant side effect: severe headaches.
These symptoms arise due to the shift in fluids, but fortunately, they can be alleviated. The secret to relief? A simple act of urination. This natural process restores balance, ensuring the temporary nature of both the facelift and headache.
34. A line of mysterious lights
Leroy Chiao’s Mysterious Lights: Chinese-American astronaut Leroy Chiao, during his stint on the International Space Station, reported an encounter that was nothing short of astonishing. Speaking to HuffPost in 2014, Chiao recounted observing a series of lights, aligned in a peculiar upside-down checkmark configuration, gliding by the station. Speculation ran rampant regarding the origin of these lights.
Chiao, maintaining a rational perspective, expressed skepticism regarding claims of extraterrestrial visits. Nonetheless, he remained open to the broader possibilities of life in the universe, revealing an open-mindedness shared by many in his field.
35. Space music
Apollo 10 and the Mystery of Space Music: An uncanny episode befell the crew of Apollo 10 as they orbited the dark side of the Moon, a zone devoid of radio contact with Mission Control. Their headsets echoed with a haunting, whistling sound, reminiscent of ethereal music. This unexpected auditory event remained under wraps, with NASA keeping it classified for almost fifty years.
In 2016, NASA eventually released recordings of this ‘music,’ noting its recurrence in subsequent missions. Their analysis attributed the sounds to mere radio interference, though the incident remains a testament to the uncharted mysteries of space.
36. Disappearing legs
Physical Challenges of Weightlessness: The zero-gravity environment of space brings with it a host of physiological challenges, as NASA’s website elucidates. On Earth, our legs and lower bodies support our weight, ensuring our bones and muscles remain robust. However, the weightlessness in space means astronauts float, leading to diminishing strength in their leg muscles and backs.
The skeletal system isn’t spared either, with bones thinning and weakening. Photographs often depict astronauts exercising in space, a critical regimen designed to counteract the muscle and bone deterioration inherent to prolonged space missions.
37. Space fireflies
John Glenn’s Fireflies Mystery: While aboard his spacecraft, astronaut John Glenn was confronted by a curious spectacle. Mysterious luminous specks, reminiscent of fireflies, danced around his spacecraft. Describing them to Mission Control, Glenn’s observations stoked concerns about potential malfunctions or hallucinations.
Clarity arrived during the subsequent American spaceflight in May 1962 when NASA pinpointed the source: harmless condensation droplets from the spaceships. The phenomenon, innocuous as it was, underscores the myriad surprises space has in store for explorers.
35. Space music
Apollo 10 and the Mystery of Space Music: An uncanny episode befell the crew of Apollo 10 as they orbited the dark side of the Moon, a zone devoid of radio contact with Mission Control. Their headsets echoed with a haunting, whistling sound, reminiscent of ethereal music. This unexpected auditory event remained under wraps, with NASA keeping it classified for almost fifty years.
In 2016, NASA eventually released recordings of this ‘music,’ noting its recurrence in subsequent missions. Their analysis attributed the sounds to mere radio interference, though the incident remains a testament to the uncharted mysteries of space.
36. Disappearing legs
Physical Challenges of Weightlessness: The zero-gravity environment of space brings with it a host of physiological challenges, as NASA’s website elucidates. On Earth, our legs and lower bodies support our weight, ensuring our bones and muscles remain robust. However, the weightlessness in space means astronauts float, leading to diminishing strength in their leg muscles and backs.
The skeletal system isn’t spared either, with bones thinning and weakening. Photographs often depict astronauts exercising in space, a critical regimen designed to counteract the muscle and bone deterioration inherent to prolonged space missions.
37. Space fireflies
John Glenn’s Fireflies Mystery: While aboard his spacecraft, astronaut John Glenn was confronted by a curious spectacle. Mysterious luminous specks, reminiscent of fireflies, danced around his spacecraft. Describing them to Mission Control, Glenn’s observations stoked concerns about potential malfunctions or hallucinations.
Clarity arrived during the subsequent American spaceflight in May 1962 when NASA pinpointed the source: harmless condensation droplets from the spaceships. The phenomenon, innocuous as it was, underscores the myriad surprises space has in store for explorers.
38. Insomnia in space
The Sleep Challenges in Space: The unique orbital dynamics in space can be disorienting. As astronauts orbit the Earth, they experience sunrises and sunsets every 90 minutes. This rapid day-night cycle, coupled with the visual distortions caused by cosmic rays, poses significant challenges for maintaining regular sleep patterns.
To combat this, astronauts adhere to Coordinated Universal Time, striving to mimic the 24-hour cycle familiar to those on Earth. This temporal structure provides a semblance of normalcy amidst the otherworldly environment of space.
39. A beer can in space?
James McDivitt’s Baffling Sight: James McDivitt’s recounting of an event during the Gemini 4 mission in 1999 added another layer to space’s enigma. Engaged in a task within the spacecraft, a glance outside revealed a peculiar object. McDivitt compared its shape to a beverage can, with an appendage resembling a pencil.
Photos he later took of the object facilitated its identification. Ultimately, the mysterious entity was deemed to be mere reflections on the porthole glass. Yet, the incident serves as a reminder of the constant surprises awaiting astronauts in the vast expanse of space.
40. The clumsy astronaut
Marsha Ivins on Post-Space Trip Disorientation: In another enlightening conversation with Wired in 2014, astronaut Marsha Ivins delved deeper into the physiological ramifications of space travel. She highlighted the challenges astronauts face upon their return to Earth. Gravity’s reintroduction means astronauts have to relearn even basic activities, from walking to holding objects.
The gravity-shift affects balance, making tasks we take for granted, like turning one’s head, a potential stumbling block. Muscles that remained dormant in space need to be reengaged, with the process of readaptation varying from days to weeks.
