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How to Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know Before Leaving Earth
Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts offers an insider's guide to astronauting—a behind-the-scenes look at the training, the basic rules, lessons, and procedures of space travel, including how to deal with a dead body in space, what it’s like to film an IMAX movie in orbit, what exactly to do when nature calls, and much more, in 50 brief chapters.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2020
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1567 people want to read
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November 10, 2020
Review "Science proves the existence of God". It's the usual thing, the big unknown, the Big Bang, scientists according to him have proof that God did that. Faith, belief, is the opposite of science, nothing in it is provable and can be peer-reviewed. We all have different beliefs about all sorts of things, that's part of being who we are. But to categorically say, because of the author's own experience, that science proves his and only his particular God's existence is a wilful, fundamentalist,'my religion is better than yours' supremacist attitude.
There are hardly any religions now, or in the past, that are monotheist, almost all are pantheist including Hinduism, Animism, Santeria, Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, all with millions of adherents. And they are being told by the author, that what they believe is crap. He's taken the belief out of faith and substituted scientific proof. If it existed we'd all believe in whatever it proved, because it would be like believing the earth is flat, we would know for sure it wasn't and would be self-identified nutters to deny it.
The author was brilliant about being an astronaut, but that last chapter was almost unreadable when it came to preaching about not just God and the creation as science, but also environmentalism and anything else he could think of that falls under the, to me, mind-numbingly boring genre of 'selfhelp'. At every opportunity the author reminds us he's a fighter pilot turned astronaut. So stick to flying a plane and twiddling knobs whilst floating around.
But I have to say until that last chapter, I really, really enjoyed the book and I learned a lot and have ordered his other View From Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World. He has such an artist's eye that translates well into text, I think his photographs will be even better. So only reduced to 4 star.
____________________
The constant constipation of space
___________________
Weightlessness, the bottom shot and Hello Kitty
Coping with seasickness on an ocean-going yacht. Or 'me again'!
____________________
What an Astronaut on the ISS does when he's been naughty and thinks he might get into trouble.
___________________
Bears. And how to deal with them in Wilderness training. And Norway's Catch-22
The Big Red Button, Disney and pretty fireworks in the sky
Kayaks. Training for ditching in cold, wet places.
First thoughts I'm enjoying this book. It's a bit different from other astronaut books I've read and a bit of light relief from the fantastically interesting but extremely heavy and detailed Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santera to Obeah and Espiritismo. I've kind of given up on Sex Rules!: Astonishing Gender and Sex Roles from Around the World. It's reminding me of what I've been missing since I've been stuck on this benighted island since March.
There are hardly any religions now, or in the past, that are monotheist, almost all are pantheist including Hinduism, Animism, Santeria, Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, all with millions of adherents. And they are being told by the author, that what they believe is crap. He's taken the belief out of faith and substituted scientific proof. If it existed we'd all believe in whatever it proved, because it would be like believing the earth is flat, we would know for sure it wasn't and would be self-identified nutters to deny it.
The author was brilliant about being an astronaut, but that last chapter was almost unreadable when it came to preaching about not just God and the creation as science, but also environmentalism and anything else he could think of that falls under the, to me, mind-numbingly boring genre of 'selfhelp'. At every opportunity the author reminds us he's a fighter pilot turned astronaut. So stick to flying a plane and twiddling knobs whilst floating around.
But I have to say until that last chapter, I really, really enjoyed the book and I learned a lot and have ordered his other View From Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World. He has such an artist's eye that translates well into text, I think his photographs will be even better. So only reduced to 4 star.
____________________
The constant constipation of space
___________________
Weightlessness, the bottom shot and Hello Kitty
Coping with seasickness on an ocean-going yacht. Or 'me again'!
____________________
What an Astronaut on the ISS does when he's been naughty and thinks he might get into trouble.
___________________
Bears. And how to deal with them in Wilderness training. And Norway's Catch-22
The Big Red Button, Disney and pretty fireworks in the sky
Kayaks. Training for ditching in cold, wet places.
First thoughts I'm enjoying this book. It's a bit different from other astronaut books I've read and a bit of light relief from the fantastically interesting but extremely heavy and detailed Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santera to Obeah and Espiritismo. I've kind of given up on Sex Rules!: Astonishing Gender and Sex Roles from Around the World. It's reminding me of what I've been missing since I've been stuck on this benighted island since March.
June 16, 2021
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review.
Some things I already knew from Chris Hadfield's "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth", but I still had a lot more to find out about what it’s like to be an astronaut and especially what it takes (and how hard it is) to become one.
There were two things that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars: the last chapters, where he tries very hard to enforce his convinctions that "science proves the existence of God", and the self-importance that sometimes seeps from some turns of phrase. I totally get that he worked very very hard, and knows tons of things, and I realize that he's way, way more trained and intelligent and fit and knowing than the average person, but still, I don't like it when someone sounds haughty..
Some things I already knew from Chris Hadfield's "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth", but I still had a lot more to find out about what it’s like to be an astronaut and especially what it takes (and how hard it is) to become one.
There were two things that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars: the last chapters, where he tries very hard to enforce his convinctions that "science proves the existence of God", and the self-importance that sometimes seeps from some turns of phrase. I totally get that he worked very very hard, and knows tons of things, and I realize that he's way, way more trained and intelligent and fit and knowing than the average person, but still, I don't like it when someone sounds haughty..
April 6, 2020
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
This was an incredible read – I don't think I've ever read a more detailed book about life in space. Terry's wit and enthusiasm makes this an unbelievable read, and I enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I have a long review written up here, so please come read why I loved it:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/how-to-a...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
This was an incredible read – I don't think I've ever read a more detailed book about life in space. Terry's wit and enthusiasm makes this an unbelievable read, and I enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I have a long review written up here, so please come read why I loved it:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/how-to-a...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
August 1, 2020
Terry Virts is a very nice guy. He tells us his personal story from his beginnings as a test pilot and an F-16 pilot to after his missions as an NASA astronaut and he gives us an idea of the required skills, the trainings, how it is to float in zero-g or to spacewalk, and of the difficulties, pleasures and trivialities involved.
He tells us all about everything, even how astronauts go to the "bathroom" (e.g. ground training potty) and how it's hard for astronauts to put on their suits, and especially for him with his big head. He tells us how he almost drowned in his helmet. He explains why astronauts are more at risk of skin cancer than us Earthlings. He says why subtitles weren't required when he watched "Fifty Shades of Grey" in space even though it was in Russian. lolll He also tells us a little bit about the dangers of the job and the stress involved for the astronauts’ family. And he speaks a little about politics ("No bucks, no Buck Rogers) and the future of space exploration for astronauts and for everybody else with enough money to try it. He reminds us how ISS has brought many countries together in cooperation like nothing else in history and that we should take care of our vessel (the Earth) because we have no plan B.
It’s as if he was an old friend you haven't seen in years, who sits at your table and tells you everything he's been through since you last met him. And he is very enthusiastic. His favorite words seem to be: awesome, beautiful, sublime, fun, wonderful, fantastic... and indescribable.
The only thing I didn't appreciate was his desire to make us understand why he believes in God. Just because you lived 250 miles higher than everyone else doesn’t put you in a better position to judge this possibility. You aren't closer to god!
I urge him to read more about biology and evolutionary science, especially about the beginnings of life on our planet, how it all began without Adam and Eve. He should be able to understand that his comparison with the cup of wine does not “hold water”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhAVS...
I give 4 stars to this interesting book that I recommend to anybody interested by space exploration or by science-fiction (could make your books more realistic).
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this free ecopy of “How to Astronaut”.
He tells us all about everything, even how astronauts go to the "bathroom" (e.g. ground training potty) and how it's hard for astronauts to put on their suits, and especially for him with his big head. He tells us how he almost drowned in his helmet. He explains why astronauts are more at risk of skin cancer than us Earthlings. He says why subtitles weren't required when he watched "Fifty Shades of Grey" in space even though it was in Russian. lolll He also tells us a little bit about the dangers of the job and the stress involved for the astronauts’ family. And he speaks a little about politics ("No bucks, no Buck Rogers) and the future of space exploration for astronauts and for everybody else with enough money to try it. He reminds us how ISS has brought many countries together in cooperation like nothing else in history and that we should take care of our vessel (the Earth) because we have no plan B.
It’s as if he was an old friend you haven't seen in years, who sits at your table and tells you everything he's been through since you last met him. And he is very enthusiastic. His favorite words seem to be: awesome, beautiful, sublime, fun, wonderful, fantastic... and indescribable.
The only thing I didn't appreciate was his desire to make us understand why he believes in God. Just because you lived 250 miles higher than everyone else doesn’t put you in a better position to judge this possibility. You aren't closer to god!
I urge him to read more about biology and evolutionary science, especially about the beginnings of life on our planet, how it all began without Adam and Eve. He should be able to understand that his comparison with the cup of wine does not “hold water”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhAVS...
I give 4 stars to this interesting book that I recommend to anybody interested by space exploration or by science-fiction (could make your books more realistic).
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this free ecopy of “How to Astronaut”.
July 29, 2020
Terry Virts provides a detailed description of what it’s like to be an astronaut—the challenging training and the time in space. He addresses not only the standard questions people ask relating to bathrooms and sex, but also the experiments, the camaraderie, and seeing the beauty of the earth. The last chapters deal with more philosophical issues. When he is looking down at earth, he realizes that “there was no reason for the conflicts we have—in the Middle East or anywhere else. We are all crew members on this spaceship, and we may as well get along and work together.” Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
January 3, 2025
I'm a huge fan of books by astronauts (see further reading below), so I'm delighted to kick off my 2025 book reviews with another astronaut book I recently discovered (I wish there was a comprehensive list somewhere, as even NASA's bibliography page is out-of-date -- I've emailed them about this before to no avail!).
Terry Virts is a retired NASA astronaut who spent 16 years in the astronaut corps and over 200 days in space between a space shuttle mission and an extended stay on the International Space Station where he served as station commander for several months. In How to Astronaut, Virts reflects on his astronaut experience, answering commonly-asked questions about living and working space, highlighting some less well-known experiences that are part of the astronaut job (survival training and team building on Earth, Capitol Hill visits with elected officials, cleaning the space station).
I really enjoyed this book and Virts' sense of humor throughout. Unlike most astronaut books I've read, Virts doesn't share much about his personal life, motivations for, or journey toward becoming an astronaut (perhaps he's just a private person or didn't want to make the book too self-referential). Still, I was fascinated at his take on the more mundane aspects of his job, and the way he talked about his time in space and his attitude toward space policy. Having read over a dozen accounts of life and work in space, it's so interesting how many different perspectives and mindsets astronauts have -- some are largely focused on the mechanics and the tasks in their retellings (like Kathryn Sullivan in Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention), some primarily reflect extensively about their own feelings, perceptions and personal fulfillment of lifelong dreams (like José Hernández in Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut), some focus closely on interpersonal relationships both among the astronaut crew and people on Earth (like Cady Coleman in Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change), and some view everything from a big picture perspective, like Virts here (and Chris Hadfield in An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth). It just highlights how different and nuanced human personalities are, even when looking at an elite group of people all highly trained for astronaut jobs.
Toward the end of the book, Virts becomes philosophical and gives an extended explanation for the existence of God, using an argument that sounds very intelligent design-like to me.
Regardless, a worthwhile read for those familiar and unfamiliar to the genre.
Further reading: shuttle era astronaut memoirs
Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change by Cady Coleman | my review
Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission by Eileen Collins
Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention by Kathryn Sullivan
Riding Rockets by Mike Mullane | my review
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances by Leland Melvin
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe by Mike Massimino
Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut by José Hernández | my review
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly
My statistics:
Book 1 for 2025
Book 1927 cumulatively
Terry Virts is a retired NASA astronaut who spent 16 years in the astronaut corps and over 200 days in space between a space shuttle mission and an extended stay on the International Space Station where he served as station commander for several months. In How to Astronaut, Virts reflects on his astronaut experience, answering commonly-asked questions about living and working space, highlighting some less well-known experiences that are part of the astronaut job (survival training and team building on Earth, Capitol Hill visits with elected officials, cleaning the space station).
I really enjoyed this book and Virts' sense of humor throughout. Unlike most astronaut books I've read, Virts doesn't share much about his personal life, motivations for, or journey toward becoming an astronaut (perhaps he's just a private person or didn't want to make the book too self-referential). Still, I was fascinated at his take on the more mundane aspects of his job, and the way he talked about his time in space and his attitude toward space policy. Having read over a dozen accounts of life and work in space, it's so interesting how many different perspectives and mindsets astronauts have -- some are largely focused on the mechanics and the tasks in their retellings (like Kathryn Sullivan in Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention), some primarily reflect extensively about their own feelings, perceptions and personal fulfillment of lifelong dreams (like José Hernández in Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut), some focus closely on interpersonal relationships both among the astronaut crew and people on Earth (like Cady Coleman in Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change), and some view everything from a big picture perspective, like Virts here (and Chris Hadfield in An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth). It just highlights how different and nuanced human personalities are, even when looking at an elite group of people all highly trained for astronaut jobs.
Toward the end of the book, Virts becomes philosophical and gives an extended explanation for the existence of God, using an argument that sounds very intelligent design-like to me.
Regardless, a worthwhile read for those familiar and unfamiliar to the genre.
Further reading: shuttle era astronaut memoirs
Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change by Cady Coleman | my review
Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission by Eileen Collins
Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention by Kathryn Sullivan
Riding Rockets by Mike Mullane | my review
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances by Leland Melvin
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe by Mike Massimino
Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut by José Hernández | my review
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly
My statistics:
Book 1 for 2025
Book 1927 cumulatively
September 15, 2020
I haven’t had this much fun reading a non-fiction book since…well, I’m really not sure. Author Terry Virts touches all the bases as he teaches us “How to Astronaut.” The book is packed with stories and anecdotes, all neatly wrapped in layers of facts.
It may seem that this book is more about Terry Virts than being an astronaut. Actually, this is most assuredly a “How To…” book and what better way to explain what something is and how it works than to draw from personal experiences. Readers will not be able to find a better person to do this than Mr. Virts. He is a fighter pilot and an astronaut, and can explain the demeanor necessary to be successful in either of these professions. He has also flown on a space shuttle and spent months on the International Space Station, excellent qualifications to write a book on this subject.
Don’t worry that “How to Astronaut” will be filled with endless terms and paragraph-long definitions. While the author does provide enough explanations to satisfy those who are looking to expand their knowledge, he does so without losing anyone in a pile of jargon and he constantly pokes fun at the endless acronyms that are part of NASA (and no, he doesn’t bother to explain each one, he just tells us what it means).
In the end, I learned a lot and enjoyed the read even more. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.
It may seem that this book is more about Terry Virts than being an astronaut. Actually, this is most assuredly a “How To…” book and what better way to explain what something is and how it works than to draw from personal experiences. Readers will not be able to find a better person to do this than Mr. Virts. He is a fighter pilot and an astronaut, and can explain the demeanor necessary to be successful in either of these professions. He has also flown on a space shuttle and spent months on the International Space Station, excellent qualifications to write a book on this subject.
Don’t worry that “How to Astronaut” will be filled with endless terms and paragraph-long definitions. While the author does provide enough explanations to satisfy those who are looking to expand their knowledge, he does so without losing anyone in a pile of jargon and he constantly pokes fun at the endless acronyms that are part of NASA (and no, he doesn’t bother to explain each one, he just tells us what it means).
In the end, I learned a lot and enjoyed the read even more. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.
Read
June 30, 2020As above, not so below!
What an interesting read from an astronaut's point of view, especially his experience in the International Space Station. Terry describes with facts, anecdotes and humor how for him, mistakes became lessons, countries became identifiable by their colorful terrain and how being launched into orbit is the most exhilarating experience one can imagine.
I completely recommend this inspiring and amusing title. -Sara S.
What an interesting read from an astronaut's point of view, especially his experience in the International Space Station. Terry describes with facts, anecdotes and humor how for him, mistakes became lessons, countries became identifiable by their colorful terrain and how being launched into orbit is the most exhilarating experience one can imagine.
I completely recommend this inspiring and amusing title. -Sara S.
August 6, 2020
If it wasn't for the fact that Terry Virts is a colonel and was a NASA astronaut, you might consider him a funny man, the guy who lives in the house next door, an old friend. Because that's how he tells the story of how he became an F-16 pilot and then an astronaut.
He tells you about everything from his training, to his retirement, to the hardships his family and those close to him experienced during the Columbia mission.
Thanks to him, you will discover everything you ever wanted to know about the life of astronauts in space, from the need to pee to walking in space, not to mention their daily lives (e.g., calling family or other people, watching movies, sleeping, cutting hair, etc. in ISS).
You'll learn how astronauts feel about the possibility of never returning to Earth, having to bury a colleague on Mars, and the future of space exploration.
You will learn why it is sometimes so difficult to get funding to continue this adventure where no one has ever been before.
You will understand what the true hardships are and what the real risks are for astronauts (e.g. cancer).
Terry Virts was in space in ISS when Leonard Nimoy passed away. Here is how he honoured him :
I give 4½ stars to this memoir. I recommend this book to anyone who has had even a little interest in space exploration and astronauts' work. I thank Terry Virts, the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy of this excellent book.
He tells you about everything from his training, to his retirement, to the hardships his family and those close to him experienced during the Columbia mission.
Thanks to him, you will discover everything you ever wanted to know about the life of astronauts in space, from the need to pee to walking in space, not to mention their daily lives (e.g., calling family or other people, watching movies, sleeping, cutting hair, etc. in ISS).
You'll learn how astronauts feel about the possibility of never returning to Earth, having to bury a colleague on Mars, and the future of space exploration.
You will learn why it is sometimes so difficult to get funding to continue this adventure where no one has ever been before.
You will understand what the true hardships are and what the real risks are for astronauts (e.g. cancer).
Terry Virts was in space in ISS when Leonard Nimoy passed away. Here is how he honoured him :
I give 4½ stars to this memoir. I recommend this book to anyone who has had even a little interest in space exploration and astronauts' work. I thank Terry Virts, the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy of this excellent book.
April 10, 2020
Wonderful! A warm, humorous, personal account of what it's like to go into space and to come home. Touching on everything from the science of zero gravity and potential Mars exploration to the realities of trying to convince politicians to fund NASA, Terry Virts brings his deep understanding of life in space to the layperson. In the tradition of Chris Hadfield's "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth," How to Astronaut is a wide-ranging, "down-to-earth" window into the life of an astronaut. I loved it. I would read it again. Recommended for armchair travelers, space nuts, and dreamers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
December 21, 2020
I liked this book up until the last few chapters. Between his patronizing tone on religion (thanks, but some of us don't think the existence of God is "common sense"), and his politics (which came across as the musings of a privileged white man), I ended up thinking that this was not a person I would chose to spend time with, whether in person or in the pages of another book. Sort of giving him the side eye for not reading any books in space either.
February 26, 2020
Enlightening, Hilarious, Provoking : All in the same pot.
I wanted to hate this book. I wanted him to fail because he should have used up his luck by being an astronaut.
I mean what can be cooler than that?
As if that’s not enough...
A former fighter pilot, a survival expert, a hairdresser (!) astronaut (who is also a father) with profound medical and scientific abilities, a killing sense of humor AND also a brilliant author??!! Why God, why are you so generous with some people? My rebelious instincts act up and I am brimming with envy yet I could not help loving this book!
I kind of expected him to be an arrogant a-hole but he is so sweet, he tells his story with such earnest honesty that it is impossible not to love him! Terry Virts writes with an open heart, with the good, the bad and the ugly and as if what he’s doing is just any other job. His addresses all kinds of audience, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to enjoy this book. He captivates and intrigues the reader with interesting questions and topics, I was mesmerized and could not put it down.
Definitely recommended!
(Special thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
I wanted to hate this book. I wanted him to fail because he should have used up his luck by being an astronaut.
I mean what can be cooler than that?
As if that’s not enough...
A former fighter pilot, a survival expert, a hairdresser (!) astronaut (who is also a father) with profound medical and scientific abilities, a killing sense of humor AND also a brilliant author??!! Why God, why are you so generous with some people? My rebelious instincts act up and I am brimming with envy yet I could not help loving this book!
I kind of expected him to be an arrogant a-hole but he is so sweet, he tells his story with such earnest honesty that it is impossible not to love him! Terry Virts writes with an open heart, with the good, the bad and the ugly and as if what he’s doing is just any other job. His addresses all kinds of audience, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to enjoy this book. He captivates and intrigues the reader with interesting questions and topics, I was mesmerized and could not put it down.
Definitely recommended!
(Special thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
July 24, 2020
It's hard not to get enthralled by the sheer awe and expertise that Mr. Virts so skillfully weaves into this firsthand account of the astronaut experience. Even the most STEM-challenged adult reader will be caught up in the thrill of discoveries--and bloopers--in space, from incidental to breathtaking. Yes, all your questions about excretory and alimentary functions aboard a space shuttle and/or the International Space Station are thoroughly answered here, but what about medical precautions and concerns, or the likelihood of never coming home to Earth, or even whether any astronaut has ever done "It" in space? Yup, it's all covered here, and much more, in an enviably easy style, with many precise references to Mr. Virts', and other, spaceflights. Refreshingly, this memoir is no salacious tell-all: just the impassioned observations of a dedicated scientist-cum-thrill-seeker. Addictive reading, as good as it gets.
March 15, 2023
Really interesting and enjoyable short essays, mostly about pragmatic day to day details of life in space. It manages to nerd out without losing itself in the technical details, an impressive balance. The authorial voice is personable and easygoing, with only a light touch of that weird air-force-specific brand of gender binaried adolescent thinking, the kind that doesn't AT ALL imply any sexism about the job getting done (too practical for that kinda bullshit) but is nonetheless pretty itchy for me. Less so now that I've been quasi adjacent to it for 20 years, but if you aren't used to it, it may grate more for you? A minor quibble for me in what was overall a DELICIOUS book.
December 1, 2020
I loved everything about this book. The author is very relatable and writes honestly and in great detail about everything one could want to know about training and life in space. The short chapters make it easy to pick up and put down.
Perfect for fans of Mary Roach's Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void and Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery . Also recommended for teens, especially if they have an interest in space travel.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy.
Perfect for fans of Mary Roach's Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void and Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery . Also recommended for teens, especially if they have an interest in space travel.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy.
August 18, 2020
Terry Virts' How to Astronaut is a book where you absolutely have to take the title at face value. I love reading books about astronauts and our space programs and most of them are focused on the biographical elements - individual struggles and triumphs - so you might expect this book to follow a similar route. It does not.
This book is 100% about how to astronaut. It offers comprehensive coverage of every detail from training to preparation to taking off to what to eat and how to use the bathroom. If you want to know what it's like in the average day of an astronaut, this is the book for you.
Overall I think Terry Virts does an excellent job translating highly technical information into explanations that a layman can understand and find interesting. However, I think the book might have benefited from slightly fewer chapters - you do feel like you're slogging through at some point. And, while it doesn't need to be highly biographical, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about what Virts thought and felt. I think his final chapter on "What does it all mean," where he shares more of his through and beliefs, is the best in the book.
This book is 100% about how to astronaut. It offers comprehensive coverage of every detail from training to preparation to taking off to what to eat and how to use the bathroom. If you want to know what it's like in the average day of an astronaut, this is the book for you.
Overall I think Terry Virts does an excellent job translating highly technical information into explanations that a layman can understand and find interesting. However, I think the book might have benefited from slightly fewer chapters - you do feel like you're slogging through at some point. And, while it doesn't need to be highly biographical, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about what Virts thought and felt. I think his final chapter on "What does it all mean," where he shares more of his through and beliefs, is the best in the book.
August 30, 2020
As a kid I used to watch Star Trek, Stargate SG-1, Star Wars and other science fiction shows and movies with my dad, something we bonded over. So in a way space and spaceflight have always been part of my life but I never really got into the science of it all. In school math and physics went over my head and definitely didn't rank among my favourite subjects. But my interest in it changed when I read about the SpaceX Dragon crew launch a few days before the offical date. My interest was peaked and I was excited to watch the launch live. I did watch it from the beginning with preparations and the whole way of the launch until docking (with sleeping while the astronauts were slooowly approaching the ISS). This has become a starting point for my interest in spaceflight. So far I've read some books on space science and Chris Hadfield's memoir and experiences in space. When I saw How to Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know Before Leaving Earth I jumped at the chance to read it and I'm glad I got the chance!
In How to Astronaut Virts provides an in-depth view into the life of an astronaut, the years of work and preparation that goes into it. He provided many details about spaceflight I wasn't aware of before. The life and work of an astronaut certainly isn't all fun and games but it sure is exciting. Nevertheless Virts never loses his humour and makes light of situations to make them bearable.
He talks about liftoff, re-entry, the details and minituae of a spacewalk, life on the station (sleeping, eating, cleaning duty) and the tragedies that have occured before and during his time at NASA. I was a bit baffled that talked onely about pooping in space and the mechanics of it in space but the topic of sex (or in the book: making whopee) was almost something to be ashamed about.
Something that struck me through his storytelling was that he doesn't hide his mistakes and that he is aware of and owns up to his faults. He highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, not just your own but those of others. To keep those in mind and to not forget important lessons through time. True to this he speaks his mind when he can and tells even higher-ups when he believes a choice to be the wrong one (i.e. Gateway on the Moon).
What fascinated me was the way he spoke of space changing his outlook and perspective on life, how bothered he was by the little things we as humans fight about, making life on earth miserable. In my humble opinion that's a chapter in his book that many politicians and company heads should read to learn what is important and what is not.
If you are interested in science, space and spaceflight I would absolutely recommend reading How to Astronaut. You learn new details of the life of an astronaut and about space programs you might now have known before.
Disclaimer: An advanced review copy has been provided for free by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In How to Astronaut Virts provides an in-depth view into the life of an astronaut, the years of work and preparation that goes into it. He provided many details about spaceflight I wasn't aware of before. The life and work of an astronaut certainly isn't all fun and games but it sure is exciting. Nevertheless Virts never loses his humour and makes light of situations to make them bearable.
He talks about liftoff, re-entry, the details and minituae of a spacewalk, life on the station (sleeping, eating, cleaning duty) and the tragedies that have occured before and during his time at NASA. I was a bit baffled that talked onely about pooping in space and the mechanics of it in space but the topic of sex (or in the book: making whopee) was almost something to be ashamed about.
Something that struck me through his storytelling was that he doesn't hide his mistakes and that he is aware of and owns up to his faults. He highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, not just your own but those of others. To keep those in mind and to not forget important lessons through time. True to this he speaks his mind when he can and tells even higher-ups when he believes a choice to be the wrong one (i.e. Gateway on the Moon).
What fascinated me was the way he spoke of space changing his outlook and perspective on life, how bothered he was by the little things we as humans fight about, making life on earth miserable. In my humble opinion that's a chapter in his book that many politicians and company heads should read to learn what is important and what is not.
If you are interested in science, space and spaceflight I would absolutely recommend reading How to Astronaut. You learn new details of the life of an astronaut and about space programs you might now have known before.
Disclaimer: An advanced review copy has been provided for free by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2020
I’ve read a lot of astronaut biographies and consider myself a bit of space nerd. How to Astronaut was a slightly different tact on the topic. In a series of essays Virts covers a plethora of topics related to his life before, during and after his time as an astronaut.
He covers lots of technical nuts and bolts, some of these chapters were a bit of overkill for me, but for a space novice, it’s a thorough introduction. Other of these chapters covered fun topics that are the usual wonderings of us earthbound folks (sleeping, bathroom habits, food etc). There are personal stories of his education leading to NASA and experiences with various missions and experiments in space. I was also really impressed with a poignant chapter on the Columbia disaster through an astronaut’s eyes and one about God and the potential existence of other life in the universe.
I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut but this book really underlined the amazing amount of work it is, not just to train but also while in space. Virts served as a pilot, medical officer, dentist, laboratory scientist and even a hairdresser (!) while in space. The endless scheduled hours on project after project made a long stay on the space station sound very daunting!
Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
He covers lots of technical nuts and bolts, some of these chapters were a bit of overkill for me, but for a space novice, it’s a thorough introduction. Other of these chapters covered fun topics that are the usual wonderings of us earthbound folks (sleeping, bathroom habits, food etc). There are personal stories of his education leading to NASA and experiences with various missions and experiments in space. I was also really impressed with a poignant chapter on the Columbia disaster through an astronaut’s eyes and one about God and the potential existence of other life in the universe.
I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut but this book really underlined the amazing amount of work it is, not just to train but also while in space. Virts served as a pilot, medical officer, dentist, laboratory scientist and even a hairdresser (!) while in space. The endless scheduled hours on project after project made a long stay on the space station sound very daunting!
Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 9, 2021
Lessons Learned in Space
Both in dealing with radio control and when doing a voice-over for a video, it is recommended that an astronaut sound concise with a touch of annoyed, a good formula for success when talking on the radio.
After moving in the storage room as he was not able to sleep in his usual sleeping quarters because of a technical problem and had to find a place on the ISS to camp out, the author discovered there was not enough room in the storage room for proper ventilation, which caused his heart to race and his lips to tingle—CO2 symptom;, a very important lesson for an astronaut to learn because without ventilation, an astronaut would create a cloud of CO2 as he breathed, and unless he moved, he would slowly die.
When Terry Virts first arrived at NASA, they were still flying the KC-135 Vomit Comet, the workhorse of American zero-g flights for many decades. NASA transitioned to the C-9, a smaller, two-engine aircraft, which meant lower fuel costs compared to the four-engine KC-135 , a boon to the program, as it only used 90 percent of the usable volume and was cheaper than the KC-135. Due to HQ having the bright idea to privatize the program, it was eventually shut down entirely, and now NASA doesn’t have a zero-g capability. The Russian and European space agencies still have their own versions of the Vomit Comet, but NASA doesn’t. NASA’s flight operations were efficient and built upon synergies with other aspects of its aviation program, and it was a shame to lose such an important part of spaceflight training in the misguided name of privatization.
In dealing with risk management, If you make a decision and everything works out, it doesn’t always mean you made the right decision. To emphasize the point, the space shuttle program had lived with foam falling off the fuel tank during launch for years and it had always worked out, until the final flight of Columbia when it killed the crew. Survival doesn’t always depend on the right call; sometimes it's just plain luck. An important lesson here is to debrief and analyze your decision-making not based on the outcome, but to understand if the right decision was made, given all the facts known at the time. Conversely, making a mistake in the simulator is a really good thing—if the crewmember realizes it and internalizes it.
NASA trains nondoctor astronauts for some of the skills of an EMT (emergency medical technician).: IVs, shots, and medical exams, performing CPR, etc. in case of an emergency on board the space flight. An important doctor/patient relationship is that no matter what the situation, act like you’ve been there before; never let them see you sweat.
If you’re in a position of authority and there are rules that make absolutely no sense, change them. Don’t add to the expense and frustration of your people unnecessarily; just make a command decision and do the right thing. If you have the power to get rid of waste, get rid of it. Everyone will respect you for it .
Attitude is the key to many of our situations in life. Make the most out of your circumstances. Enjoy what you can. Learn from what you can. Suffer through what you must. And learn from it. What doesn’t kill you should make you better. If you go through life with that attitude, you will be happier and more successful than by complaining. Test pilots are taught that after an ejection, you have the rest of your life to get the parachute deployed. Sometimes that sense of urgency is needed—forget everything else and fix the problem, or it will be a very bad day.
Both in dealing with radio control and when doing a voice-over for a video, it is recommended that an astronaut sound concise with a touch of annoyed, a good formula for success when talking on the radio.
After moving in the storage room as he was not able to sleep in his usual sleeping quarters because of a technical problem and had to find a place on the ISS to camp out, the author discovered there was not enough room in the storage room for proper ventilation, which caused his heart to race and his lips to tingle—CO2 symptom;, a very important lesson for an astronaut to learn because without ventilation, an astronaut would create a cloud of CO2 as he breathed, and unless he moved, he would slowly die.
When Terry Virts first arrived at NASA, they were still flying the KC-135 Vomit Comet, the workhorse of American zero-g flights for many decades. NASA transitioned to the C-9, a smaller, two-engine aircraft, which meant lower fuel costs compared to the four-engine KC-135 , a boon to the program, as it only used 90 percent of the usable volume and was cheaper than the KC-135. Due to HQ having the bright idea to privatize the program, it was eventually shut down entirely, and now NASA doesn’t have a zero-g capability. The Russian and European space agencies still have their own versions of the Vomit Comet, but NASA doesn’t. NASA’s flight operations were efficient and built upon synergies with other aspects of its aviation program, and it was a shame to lose such an important part of spaceflight training in the misguided name of privatization.
In dealing with risk management, If you make a decision and everything works out, it doesn’t always mean you made the right decision. To emphasize the point, the space shuttle program had lived with foam falling off the fuel tank during launch for years and it had always worked out, until the final flight of Columbia when it killed the crew. Survival doesn’t always depend on the right call; sometimes it's just plain luck. An important lesson here is to debrief and analyze your decision-making not based on the outcome, but to understand if the right decision was made, given all the facts known at the time. Conversely, making a mistake in the simulator is a really good thing—if the crewmember realizes it and internalizes it.
NASA trains nondoctor astronauts for some of the skills of an EMT (emergency medical technician).: IVs, shots, and medical exams, performing CPR, etc. in case of an emergency on board the space flight. An important doctor/patient relationship is that no matter what the situation, act like you’ve been there before; never let them see you sweat.
If you’re in a position of authority and there are rules that make absolutely no sense, change them. Don’t add to the expense and frustration of your people unnecessarily; just make a command decision and do the right thing. If you have the power to get rid of waste, get rid of it. Everyone will respect you for it .
Attitude is the key to many of our situations in life. Make the most out of your circumstances. Enjoy what you can. Learn from what you can. Suffer through what you must. And learn from it. What doesn’t kill you should make you better. If you go through life with that attitude, you will be happier and more successful than by complaining. Test pilots are taught that after an ejection, you have the rest of your life to get the parachute deployed. Sometimes that sense of urgency is needed—forget everything else and fix the problem, or it will be a very bad day.
March 18, 2021
As a child of the push to space era, I was thrilled to have received this book as a gift. All things space related entrance me. This book made me feel like I got to sit down with Commander Virts and ask questions and get all the good inside stories. The chapters are topical, quick reads. This format made it fun to tackle a subject, Google some thoughts and pictures, and contemplate before moving on to the next. I rarely if ever feel compelled to reread a book. I can see myself coming back to this one tho.
August 2, 2022
A laid back look on what it was like for him to spend 200 days in space. It's sad because he's probably the last of the astronauts. America's space program is in shambles. It's very likely the first person on Mars won't be an American.
January 16, 2021
If our ant to be astronaut this is the book for you . He describes everything that happened great book
July 29, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. As a kid I really wanted to be a astrophysicist, didn't go that road, but lots of fun reading about astronauts instead. Great book for "space nerds"!
August 22, 2020
It is a book about space. Everything about reaching in outer space, preparing for it, staying in ISS and then how to come back.
Author is former astronaut who has vast experience of staying on ISS.
Book is divided into 50 chapters. It is full of intricate details of life in space that is presented in a funny and interesting format. It's like he is telling you his experience over a drink.
It tells so many interesting facts, like how they carry out day to day life in ISS;
How it feels while launching and re-entering.
Author also takes effort to glorify astronauts who have lost their lives in pursuit of science for whole mankind. They deserve all the honors possible.
He also discusses how will it be, if humans start journey to Mars. That part is very interesting. Also he describes concept of time dilation.
There is frequent reference to books and movies.
A very good science book showing first hand experience in most interesting prose.
A must read for astronomy lovers.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
Author is former astronaut who has vast experience of staying on ISS.
Book is divided into 50 chapters. It is full of intricate details of life in space that is presented in a funny and interesting format. It's like he is telling you his experience over a drink.
It tells so many interesting facts, like how they carry out day to day life in ISS;
How it feels while launching and re-entering.
Author also takes effort to glorify astronauts who have lost their lives in pursuit of science for whole mankind. They deserve all the honors possible.
He also discusses how will it be, if humans start journey to Mars. That part is very interesting. Also he describes concept of time dilation.
There is frequent reference to books and movies.
A very good science book showing first hand experience in most interesting prose.
A must read for astronomy lovers.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
May 2, 2023
This is clearly written. It's often witty--though I never laughed out loud when reading it. It's informative. Then why did I plod my way through it?
Maybe it's me. Really. This was a solid book that should interest anyone who ever wondered what it's like to be an astronaut. To me, it lacked that extra spark that would have kept me turning pages for hours, but I did enjoy it, and I certainly learned from it.
Addenda, May 2023: it was definitely me. I just read the junior version and was smiling all the way through. Both books are very good, honestly.
Maybe it's me. Really. This was a solid book that should interest anyone who ever wondered what it's like to be an astronaut. To me, it lacked that extra spark that would have kept me turning pages for hours, but I did enjoy it, and I certainly learned from it.
Addenda, May 2023: it was definitely me. I just read the junior version and was smiling all the way through. Both books are very good, honestly.
June 1, 2020
Such a great book with answers you never thought you could easily get. Interesting, engaging and well worth the read.
Thank you to Netgalley for connecting me with the publisher and giving me the chance to review the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for connecting me with the publisher and giving me the chance to review the book.
November 4, 2023
"How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth" by Terry Virts is a captivating journey into the world of space exploration, where Virts shares his personal experiences, insights, and humor about life in outer space. The book covers a wide range of topics, from survival training and space shuttle emergencies to the art of putting on a spacesuit and even the prospect of time travel.
One of the key aspects of space life covered in the book is the food. Astronauts have different categories of space food, including thermo-stabilized and rehydratable options. Thermo-stabilized food is ready to eat without rehydration and can last for months. Rehydratable food, on the other hand, involves adding water to dehydrated items, and it even includes drinks like Tang and hot chocolate. The book highlights the importance of recycling urine to save water and reduce launch costs, as water is a valuable and limited resource in space.
The book also delves into the less glamorous aspects of space travel, such as going to the bathroom in space. The mechanics of waste disposal involve airflow and fans to ensure everything goes in the right direction. Virts discusses the differences between the U.S. and Russian systems for handling urine and the significance of recycling urine for future long-duration missions.
In the event of being stranded in space, Virts explores the grim realities astronauts might face, including the possibility of being stuck in orbit for years with limited supplies and no means of escape. This thought-provoking scenario raises questions about how astronauts would cope with such a situation.
The book addresses the future of space exploration, with a strong focus on Mars as a more interesting and hospitable destination compared to the Moon. Virts highlights the importance of nuclear power for in-space propulsion and providing electricity on planetary surfaces.
Space adaptation syndrome (SAS), the physical and psychological effects of weightlessness, is another topic discussed in the book. Astronauts often experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea, with Phenergan being a solution to alleviate these symptoms.
The book covers various health issues astronauts face during and after space missions, including bone and muscle degradation, vision problems (VIIP), and skin problems due to the absence of contact pressure in microgravity. The potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation are also highlighted as a major concern for future deep space missions.
Virts shares his experiences during re-entry, describing the challenges of adapting to Earth's gravity, feelings of dizziness, and the importance of hydration. Despite the difficulties of re-entry, he expresses gratitude for the experience of space travel and the beauty of Earth.
The book also touches on the support provided to astronauts' families during launch and landing, drawing from lessons learned after the Challenger accident.
Lastly, Virts offers a personal perspective on the question of God and the existence of extraterrestrial life. He reflects on his experiments in space, which deepened his belief in a creator due to the intricate complexity of the universe and life itself.
In conclusion, "How to Astronaut" by Terry Virts is a comprehensive and engaging guide to the astronaut's life, covering the practical, emotional, and philosophical aspects of space exploration, and the selected excerpts provide a taste of the book's content and insights into the challenges and wonders of space travel.
One of the key aspects of space life covered in the book is the food. Astronauts have different categories of space food, including thermo-stabilized and rehydratable options. Thermo-stabilized food is ready to eat without rehydration and can last for months. Rehydratable food, on the other hand, involves adding water to dehydrated items, and it even includes drinks like Tang and hot chocolate. The book highlights the importance of recycling urine to save water and reduce launch costs, as water is a valuable and limited resource in space.
The book also delves into the less glamorous aspects of space travel, such as going to the bathroom in space. The mechanics of waste disposal involve airflow and fans to ensure everything goes in the right direction. Virts discusses the differences between the U.S. and Russian systems for handling urine and the significance of recycling urine for future long-duration missions.
In the event of being stranded in space, Virts explores the grim realities astronauts might face, including the possibility of being stuck in orbit for years with limited supplies and no means of escape. This thought-provoking scenario raises questions about how astronauts would cope with such a situation.
The book addresses the future of space exploration, with a strong focus on Mars as a more interesting and hospitable destination compared to the Moon. Virts highlights the importance of nuclear power for in-space propulsion and providing electricity on planetary surfaces.
Space adaptation syndrome (SAS), the physical and psychological effects of weightlessness, is another topic discussed in the book. Astronauts often experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea, with Phenergan being a solution to alleviate these symptoms.
The book covers various health issues astronauts face during and after space missions, including bone and muscle degradation, vision problems (VIIP), and skin problems due to the absence of contact pressure in microgravity. The potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation are also highlighted as a major concern for future deep space missions.
Virts shares his experiences during re-entry, describing the challenges of adapting to Earth's gravity, feelings of dizziness, and the importance of hydration. Despite the difficulties of re-entry, he expresses gratitude for the experience of space travel and the beauty of Earth.
The book also touches on the support provided to astronauts' families during launch and landing, drawing from lessons learned after the Challenger accident.
Lastly, Virts offers a personal perspective on the question of God and the existence of extraterrestrial life. He reflects on his experiments in space, which deepened his belief in a creator due to the intricate complexity of the universe and life itself.
In conclusion, "How to Astronaut" by Terry Virts is a comprehensive and engaging guide to the astronaut's life, covering the practical, emotional, and philosophical aspects of space exploration, and the selected excerpts provide a taste of the book's content and insights into the challenges and wonders of space travel.
October 26, 2020
First, let's face the facts. You are not - probably never will be - an astronaut. The vast majority of us will never feel the thrill of launch, the disorientation of weightlessness, the awe of the Overview Effect (seeing our planet from above), a brisk work schedule while floating, or the flaming flight of re-entry. That's why we read books. Your chance in space will be if you can afford it as a tourist. This isn't to let you down early, but reading this book makes you believe, with just a little bit of hope, that you can do it! In How to Astronaut, Colonel Terry Virts's second book (I didn't read the first), he gives us a decent ride-along as wingman to his fighter pilot viewpoint. He doesn't look down on us, though he's a down-to-Earth kind of guy (pun intended - he actually writes 'pun intended' quite a few times). At the end of the day (and he uses that cliché a lot), Terry accomplishes two things with this book. It is both a How To in a Popular Mechanics sort of way, and a memoir. As a How To, the key takeaway is that fighter pilots make great astronauts. What's that? You're not a figher pilot? Then ISTBY (It Sucks to be You). The good news? HTO is an engaging memoir.
Terry doesn't eliminate the prospect that we non-fighter pilots can be orbital specimens - er, spacepersons - but he does relate that people he trained with or flew to space with were among the cream of the crop: survival experts, physicists, doctors, NFL players, rock stars, etc. What's that? You're not a Rock Star? But, Terry, you said if I can follow directions (like, "turn clockwise to open"), repair a toilet in space, and try Russian food, I'll make a good space traveler! I know a few plump plumbers who can do that blindfolded! The facts are you can't be a fat astronaut, lazy, a loner, or predisposed to exposing your asscrack. You can't be a wiseacre who cries "emergency!" or incorrigible joke puller. You will leave your family for long stretches, train like Ali, and have to follow a military protocol that doesn't respond well to "what's the red button for?" kind of inquiry. Still, Terry admits that even he, fighter pilot, made embarrassing gaffs, stupid mistakes, and just plain lost stuff on the International Space Station. So, maybe you can go into space, too, plain Jane.
Terry's optimism about your ability to ride aside, there are drawbacks to the book as a memoir. For example, take the chapter on sex in space. All I can gather is that Terry has been asked this question so much, being a handsome hunk of a fighter pilot, that he needed to include the topic.
The answer is, in brief, there's no time or opportunity, but Terry's repressed tone is out of the 50s. It's as if someone (maybe from NASA) is over his shoulder, about to give him an X rating for even hinting about anatomy, let alone intercourse. Why include it as a chapter if you can't seem to bring yourself to write about it? An explicit warning would serve (*Note: this is the only topic where Terry doesn't get explicit). Whether it is due to his avoiding things personal, his upbringing, or a general American prudishness, I don't know. He certainly has no problem talking about pooping in space or religion or politics, but he rarely mentions his family, and never brings up his marriage. Sex in space is an interesting topic deserving a book in and of itself, written by a professional. And by that I don't mean a rock star or a porn star. A medical professional will do.
About the chapter titled "Are we Alone? Is There a God?", again, Terry felt compelled to answer, because he must be asked about alien conspiracy theories all the time. Again, he's no expert, but he does opine unconvincingly about the creator. The argument that the complexity of the universe seems fine-tuned for human habitability is an old one. In my view, it is simpler to look at the complex physics and chemistry of the cosmos as causing many structures to emerge and form, among them life as we know it. I prefer to take the cosmic perspective further than Earth orbit to see that life as we do not know it may be the norm.
Besides these minor gripes, Colonel Virts's second book shows a man certainly changed by his encounter with space. He's an optimist. He studies (picking up books on writing by Stephen King and Strunk & White), and so you have to admire all the ways he's had to adapt his life for spaceflight. That's why he highly recommends it, why he agreed to learn how to film in IMAX for A Beautiful Planet, why he goes to the trouble of complaining about decisions made by higher ups while touting the genius minds who designed the ISS. He wants to influence others, and with this book, he has.
Terry doesn't eliminate the prospect that we non-fighter pilots can be orbital specimens - er, spacepersons - but he does relate that people he trained with or flew to space with were among the cream of the crop: survival experts, physicists, doctors, NFL players, rock stars, etc. What's that? You're not a Rock Star? But, Terry, you said if I can follow directions (like, "turn clockwise to open"), repair a toilet in space, and try Russian food, I'll make a good space traveler! I know a few plump plumbers who can do that blindfolded! The facts are you can't be a fat astronaut, lazy, a loner, or predisposed to exposing your asscrack. You can't be a wiseacre who cries "emergency!" or incorrigible joke puller. You will leave your family for long stretches, train like Ali, and have to follow a military protocol that doesn't respond well to "what's the red button for?" kind of inquiry. Still, Terry admits that even he, fighter pilot, made embarrassing gaffs, stupid mistakes, and just plain lost stuff on the International Space Station. So, maybe you can go into space, too, plain Jane.
Terry's optimism about your ability to ride aside, there are drawbacks to the book as a memoir. For example, take the chapter on sex in space. All I can gather is that Terry has been asked this question so much, being a handsome hunk of a fighter pilot, that he needed to include the topic.
The answer is, in brief, there's no time or opportunity, but Terry's repressed tone is out of the 50s. It's as if someone (maybe from NASA) is over his shoulder, about to give him an X rating for even hinting about anatomy, let alone intercourse. Why include it as a chapter if you can't seem to bring yourself to write about it? An explicit warning would serve (*Note: this is the only topic where Terry doesn't get explicit). Whether it is due to his avoiding things personal, his upbringing, or a general American prudishness, I don't know. He certainly has no problem talking about pooping in space or religion or politics, but he rarely mentions his family, and never brings up his marriage. Sex in space is an interesting topic deserving a book in and of itself, written by a professional. And by that I don't mean a rock star or a porn star. A medical professional will do.
About the chapter titled "Are we Alone? Is There a God?", again, Terry felt compelled to answer, because he must be asked about alien conspiracy theories all the time. Again, he's no expert, but he does opine unconvincingly about the creator. The argument that the complexity of the universe seems fine-tuned for human habitability is an old one. In my view, it is simpler to look at the complex physics and chemistry of the cosmos as causing many structures to emerge and form, among them life as we know it. I prefer to take the cosmic perspective further than Earth orbit to see that life as we do not know it may be the norm.
Besides these minor gripes, Colonel Virts's second book shows a man certainly changed by his encounter with space. He's an optimist. He studies (picking up books on writing by Stephen King and Strunk & White), and so you have to admire all the ways he's had to adapt his life for spaceflight. That's why he highly recommends it, why he agreed to learn how to film in IMAX for A Beautiful Planet, why he goes to the trouble of complaining about decisions made by higher ups while touting the genius minds who designed the ISS. He wants to influence others, and with this book, he has.
October 15, 2022
I think this would be a great book for a kid who is interested in being an astronaut. Sure it's got a lot of interesting information. Going into space would be very fascinating. In fact it inspired me to pull up the YouTube channel of the ISS cameras. Space travel is truly a marvel and a great accomplishment of humanity. But personally I hadn't really thought about how you go to the bathroom in space, and don't really care that I know more about it now!
And Terry Virts sounds like a great guy. I'm sure he is an awesome spokesperson for space travel and NASA. But that part was at the back of the book and I was kind of disappointed to find it out. I'm naive, I admit it. For most of the book Mr. Wirtz is just an awe-shucks kind of astronaut - just a "dumb" fighter jock. But now he apparently has built a 3rd career as a space spokesman. Makes me think he's got a blog and YouTube channel etc. etc. Well, good for him. I hope it's fun and rewarding. But I disagree with his conclusion!
And that is that all we need is the "political will" to go to Mars. But think about what that is really saying: "All we need are politicians ready to spend money on NASA that was taken from their constituents." Doesn't sound so nice then. My belief is that their are only two reasons why we spend money on NASA at all! One is that space travel is really cool so it's easy to get people interested. And number two is that politicians with NASA facilities in their district love getting dollars from the federal government (read: all other districts!) spent in their district. Without those two reasons their wouldn't be a NASA.
And I vote for selling NASA to the highest bidder. If Elon Musk wants to go to Mars - let him. And more power to him. I hope he succeeds! But let's stop spending taxes (or inflation) taken by force from average Americans so that a select and special few can enjoy the wonders of space.
I think that point came into serious relief when he shared about the ISS floating over New Guinea and seeing the rivers suddenly light up with reflected sunlight, shining through the jungle canopy. Mr. Virts shared about thinking of the people who don't even have cell phones, and are probably completely unaware that there is a space station with people aboard, traveling in space above their island. To me that's an argument against having a space station! Or at least one funded by Americans who are completely unaware of how their tax dollars are being spent.
Anyway, I enjoyed the (audio)book and learning about some of the fascinating details of space.
And Terry Virts sounds like a great guy. I'm sure he is an awesome spokesperson for space travel and NASA. But that part was at the back of the book and I was kind of disappointed to find it out. I'm naive, I admit it. For most of the book Mr. Wirtz is just an awe-shucks kind of astronaut - just a "dumb" fighter jock. But now he apparently has built a 3rd career as a space spokesman. Makes me think he's got a blog and YouTube channel etc. etc. Well, good for him. I hope it's fun and rewarding. But I disagree with his conclusion!
And that is that all we need is the "political will" to go to Mars. But think about what that is really saying: "All we need are politicians ready to spend money on NASA that was taken from their constituents." Doesn't sound so nice then. My belief is that their are only two reasons why we spend money on NASA at all! One is that space travel is really cool so it's easy to get people interested. And number two is that politicians with NASA facilities in their district love getting dollars from the federal government (read: all other districts!) spent in their district. Without those two reasons their wouldn't be a NASA.
And I vote for selling NASA to the highest bidder. If Elon Musk wants to go to Mars - let him. And more power to him. I hope he succeeds! But let's stop spending taxes (or inflation) taken by force from average Americans so that a select and special few can enjoy the wonders of space.
I think that point came into serious relief when he shared about the ISS floating over New Guinea and seeing the rivers suddenly light up with reflected sunlight, shining through the jungle canopy. Mr. Virts shared about thinking of the people who don't even have cell phones, and are probably completely unaware that there is a space station with people aboard, traveling in space above their island. To me that's an argument against having a space station! Or at least one funded by Americans who are completely unaware of how their tax dollars are being spent.
Anyway, I enjoyed the (audio)book and learning about some of the fascinating details of space.
April 2, 2025
I have always loved anything space. I couldn’t become a student nor pursue my career toward astrophysics, so I try my best to read and understand astrophysics books written by various astrophysicists and astronomers. Naturally, when I came across this book, I was super intrigued and wanted to read it ASAP! 🌍📖
As a kid, it was so easy for me to imagine being an astronaut working in a space station, and How to Astronaut brought that childhood fascination back! Terry Virts takes you behind the scenes, showing what it’s really like to live, work, and survive in space. The book is packed with humor, honesty, and incredible stories that make space travel feel both thrilling and surprisingly relatable. 👨🚀✨
Reading this book, I learned so much about astronauts that I appreciate them a lot more—they are incredibly brave, highly intelligent, and packed with knowledge. Terry explains everything from surviving intense training to dealing with constipation in space (yes, space life has some unexpected challenges! 😂).
🔹 What I loved:
✅ Humor & honesty—Virts makes space feel fun, weird, and totally human! 😆
✅ Diverse topics—From training to spacewalks to using the bathroom in zero gravity, every chapter is fascinating. 🚀
✅ Engaging writing—Feels like listening to an astronaut friend tell you wild stories. 🌠
✅ Perfect for everyone—Even if you’re not a space geek, this book is easy to enjoy!
🔹 Minor drawbacks:
➖ Some sections felt a bit brief—I wanted more details! 🤯
➖ A little less technical depth than hardcore space buffs might expect. 🔬
➖ Certain parts of the book might not sit well with deeply religious readers, as some perspectives and humor regarding life, existence, and space could feel dismissive or conflicting with personal beliefs.
This book is such a great read, giving detailed insight into how an astronaut is prepped, what they do, and how they go through everything up there. It made me appreciate the realities of space travel while reigniting my love for all things space
As a kid, it was so easy for me to imagine being an astronaut working in a space station, and How to Astronaut brought that childhood fascination back! Terry Virts takes you behind the scenes, showing what it’s really like to live, work, and survive in space. The book is packed with humor, honesty, and incredible stories that make space travel feel both thrilling and surprisingly relatable. 👨🚀✨
Reading this book, I learned so much about astronauts that I appreciate them a lot more—they are incredibly brave, highly intelligent, and packed with knowledge. Terry explains everything from surviving intense training to dealing with constipation in space (yes, space life has some unexpected challenges! 😂).
🔹 What I loved:
✅ Humor & honesty—Virts makes space feel fun, weird, and totally human! 😆
✅ Diverse topics—From training to spacewalks to using the bathroom in zero gravity, every chapter is fascinating. 🚀
✅ Engaging writing—Feels like listening to an astronaut friend tell you wild stories. 🌠
✅ Perfect for everyone—Even if you’re not a space geek, this book is easy to enjoy!
🔹 Minor drawbacks:
➖ Some sections felt a bit brief—I wanted more details! 🤯
➖ A little less technical depth than hardcore space buffs might expect. 🔬
➖ Certain parts of the book might not sit well with deeply religious readers, as some perspectives and humor regarding life, existence, and space could feel dismissive or conflicting with personal beliefs.
This book is such a great read, giving detailed insight into how an astronaut is prepped, what they do, and how they go through everything up there. It made me appreciate the realities of space travel while reigniting my love for all things space
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