Out of This World

Life as an Astronaut

Peter Bond

• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• eBook ISBN:
  9781836392392
• Year: 2026

Spaceflight may now seem routine, but it remains one of the most dangerous and demanding human endeavours. This book offers a clear-eyed account of what it truly takes to live and work in orbit – from gruelling training and long waits for assignment to everyday routines aboard space stations and moments of sudden crisis. Drawing on over 65 years of human spaceflight and rich with first-hand accounts, it captures the discipline, patience and resilience behind each mission. Illustrated with more than a hundred photographs, it reveals the reality of life beyond Earth – not just the extraordinary feats, but the challenges, teamwork and quiet perseverance behind them. A compelling look at how a select group of talented, dedicated people can accomplish the extraordinary in space.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• 1. Learning to Leave Earth
• 2. The Chosen Few
• 3. Preparations
• 4. Walking in Space
• 5. Living in Space
• 6. Health and Happiness
• 7. Orbital Research
• 8. Fly Me to the Moon
• 9. A Risky Business
• References
• Select Bibliography
• Acknowledgements
• Photo Acknowledgements
• Index