Slashdot Mirror


What Drugs Do Astronauts Take?

astroengine writes "Science fiction is stuffed full of examples of pill-popping space explorers and aliens enjoying psychedelic highs. After all, space is big; it can get boring/scary/crazy up there. It's little wonder, then, that our current space explorers consume a cocktail of uppers, downers, tranquilizers and alcohol to get the job done. Robert Lamb on tranquilizers in the space station: 'Sure, it hardly makes for a civilized evening aboard ISS, but it beats someone blowing the hatch because they think they saw something crawling on one of the solar panels.'"

2 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. Re:ah duct tape.... by mrsurb · · Score: 5, Informative

    If it's not supposed to move but does... use duct tape.
    If it is supposed to move but doesn't... use WD40.

  2. Re:ah duct tape.... by shiftless · · Score: 4, Informative

    If it is supposed to move but doesn't... use WD40.

    [pedant]

    WD40 is actually terrible for this job. It was originally invented to be sprayed on metal parts to prevent them from rusting, and it works well for that. It's not a good lubricant though nor does it penetrate corrosion very well. On moving parts it attracts and holds in dirt and "dries out" within a relatively short period, leaving the part binding/squeaking worse than before. For a rust penetrant, use something like PB Blaster or Sea Foam. For a lubricant, use oil or something designed specifically for that purpose.

    [/pedant]