Could you survive in space?

Who hasn't dreamt of floating on a tether high above the Earth and gazing down at the rest of humanity? But being an astronaut is a pretty challenging career, and one of the toughest parts is just staying alive in the forbidding environment of space. Test your space survivability knowledge with this quiz.

If you were deprived of oxygen in space, how long would it take you to die?

10 seconds

10 minutes

Nobody is sure

You chose: You chose:

According to NASA's Web site, no one is really sure how long it would take to die from lack of oxygen in space, but you probably would lose consciousness within two minutes.

How dangerous is radiation exposure in space?

not dangerous at all

extremely dangerous

manageable if you use sunscreen

You chose: You chose:

Exposure to radiation is one of the major hazards of space travel.

What is the correct air pressure inside a space suit?

4.3 pounds per square inch

12.63 pounds per square inch

27 pounds per square inch

You chose: You chose:

NASA astronauts' suits are pressurized to 4.3 pounds per square inch.

When are the g-forces greater -- during launch or reentry?

launch

reentry

the same for both

You chose: You chose:

Reentry launch forces can reach 3gs, while launch seldom exceeds 2gs.

Without gravity, how do astronauts keep their muscles in shape in space?

exercise bicycle

weightlifting

They don't exercise at all.

You chose: You chose:

Astronauts can use an exercise bicycle to maintain their fitness in space.

What is one of the most significant hazards in space?

hostile aliens

space viruses

junk left behind by previous missions

You chose: You chose:

Orbital debris from previous space missions is a major hazard in space because it can strike a spacecraft or an astronaut at great speed.

Why can't you have toast for breakfast in space?

You might choke on the crumbs.

You need more protein.

Space radiation spoils the jam.

You chose: You chose:

Foods that crumble cannot be eaten safely in space because the crumbs could float away and become a breathing hazard.

Can you get sick from breathing the air inside a spacecraft?

yes

You chose: You chose:

In 1999, astronauts aboard the International Space Station reported bouts of nausea and headaches. An unexpected buildup of carbon dioxide, combined with chemicals used on the station, was suspected as the cause.

True or false: Surgeons have experimented with performing operations in low gravity.

True

False

You chose: You chose:

In 2006, French surgeons successfully performed experimental surgery in an aircraft that simulated 20-second bursts of low gravity.

Is it possible for a person who suffers from claustrophobia to make it through the astronaut selection and training process?

yes

You chose: You chose:

According to a Q&A on NASA's Web site, astronaut selection and training is designed to weed out applicants who can't handle being in tight places.

Correct

Stay away from anything more challenging than Space Mountain.

Correct

Not bad.

Correct

Don't be surprised if Richard Branson calls and tries to hire you to fly one of his private spacecraft.

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