Life of an Astronaut (Article Sample)

Life of an Astronaut
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Life of an Astronaut
Becoming an astronaut is the dream of almost every kid. However, very few people have the chance to explore outer space. Therefore, if one has the opportunity to become an astronaut, they should conduct a cost-benefit analysis to see whether the expedition is worthwhile. On the positive side, astronauts become famous all over the world since it is a very rare opportunity (University of Leicester, n.d.). Therefore, astronauts can enjoy celebrity status. Another advantage of being an astronaut is that one can have a different point of view of how the earth looks. Specifically, they can see how the sun casts its light on different parts of the earth. During training, astronauts have the opportunity to work with talented people and interact with high-end technology (University of Leicester, n.d.). This exposure expands their mentality and view of the world. Lastly, the training period affords the astronauts a chance to travel the world. However, some of these privileges come at a cost.
The most significant disadvantages of becoming an astronaut concern its impacts on health. First, the zero-gravity environment in spaces adversely affects astronauts’ blood and bones (Jones, 2010). Studies have shown that zero gravity accelerates osteoporosis in addition to redistributing the body fluid from the lower body upwards (Jones, 2010). Similarly, when astronauts first venture into space, the lack of synchronicity between the visual stimulus and the inner ear's perception of motion gives astronauts motion sickness, which can last for several days (Jones, 2010). Outer space also exposes astronauts to loud noises and radiations. These environmental hazards can lead to deafness an