Packing for Mars The Curious Science of Life in the Void [Hardcover]

Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you cant walk for a year? have sex? smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles per hour? To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. As Mary Roach discovers, its possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASAs new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.[Her] style is at its most substantialand most hilariousin the zero-gravity realm thatThis is the kind of smart, smirky stuff that Roach does so well.Cool answers to questions about the void you didnt even know you had.An utterly fascinating account, made all the more entertaining by the authors ever-amused tone.An impish and adventurous writer with a gleefully inquisitive mind and stand-up comics timing.The authors writing comes across as reportorial, but with a clear sense of humor; even the footnotes are used to both informational and comedic effect.Hilarious.A delightful, illuminating grab bag of space-flight curiosities.The best-selling author of