At only 5 ft in height, I'm 5 cm too short to apply for the Mars One mission. Actually, I probably don't meet many of their other astronaut requirements. Sucks, doesn't it? To be told you're not good enough for something because of your physical capabilities. To be told, you're not the right stuff. I'd love to have had the chance to just apply to be on the first manned mission to Mars. I'm honest enough with myself to know I probably wouldn't have made it past the first round, but you never know.
However, that doesn't mean the opportunity to go to space will never happen. It doesn't mean I'll always be too short.Who knows what the future holds? What advances in space flight there will be in my lifetime. I could be the right stuff for the right mission.
Am I crazy for still believing I have a chance? Or is it that belief in our dreams that drives us towards achieving those impossible goals? What do you think? What are your crazy, impossible dreams?
I know! It sucks, doesn't it? It probably won't help to know in the early days of space flight you could be too TALL to go in those cramped capsules! As a girl, you couldn't have got in anyway. At least you're not too unfit and too old like me. I dreamed of spaceflight as a child, but never met the requirements, including being a US citizen. ;-) As you say, we can always dream...and meanwhile go there through good science fiction. I recommend Voyage by Stephen Baxter, which is about the Mars space program in an alternative universe in which Apollo was followed by Mars instead of the space shuttle. Very much The Right Stuff with a woman astronaut.
ReplyDeleteThere's always some restriction, whether that be gender, physical, or intellectual requirements. Sadly, it comes with territory. It would be a tough job choosing if everyone could apply! Still, I'd love the opportunity to try.
DeleteI haven't read Voyage by Stephen Baxter. One for my TBR list. Thanks for the recommendation.
You're not crazy at all! Our belief can take us a very long way and open up new dreams that we never thought possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. It's good to know I'm not alone.
DeleteYou should watch "Project Moonbase", a 1953 movie written by Robert Heinlein. The main character is a woman specifically chosen for missions *because* she is short and lightweight. And smart, too. (There's still a lot of 1950's sexism there; but not as bad as most.)
ReplyDeleteNot to rub it in, but I am one of the Mars One candidates. Like you, I've always dreamed of going into space. But in addition to being too tall for the pre-Shuttle-era astronaut corps, I was not not smart/ambitious enough to pursue a PhD to qualify for the Shuttle-era corps. So Mars One has been the answer to my wishes. Perhaps something else will come along to answer yours.
Hi, Dan. It's great to hear from you again. I'm thrilled you've got your chance, and will be watching your progress with keen interest. I can live the experience through you, I hope!
DeleteI shall track Project Moonbase down. Sounds like I'd really enjoy it ;)
I believe in dreams and that they can become reality! They may be short-sighted.....um, no pun intended, and not realize that you can bring qualities they didn't think of. I am not a follower of sports at all but I remember some guy being only 5'6" and he became a star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and he was good looking. I have no idea about his name but I would not give up. You will find a way!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Birgit. I can forgive the pun! Just being able to go into space would be enough for me. With space tourism on its way, I may just get there one day.
DeleteIt's an interesting opportunity. Something will come along. You'll have to keep in touch, Ellie, and keep a journal we can tap into.
ReplyDeleteIt would be amazing. I can dream.
DeleteHi Ellie .. rewind the video and see if you can find some tall genes in those parents of yours ... I'm not much taller - but quite understand there are somethings I simply could not do ... like play basketball - I have no aspirations to go to Mars!! Cheers and happy dreams ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteAlas, no tall genes in my family. I do hear you can go to Russia and have your legs broken and extended. That might be taking it a bit too far, though!
DeleteAs long as you aren't required to grow taller, you have a chance.
ReplyDeleteThis is true. Thanks, Alex! Now that's a great idea for a story...
DeleteOne of my crazy impossible dreams was to write a novel and somehow that actually happened. So I don't think you are crazy at all. :)
ReplyDeleteDreams really can come true, Julie!
DeleteYou would think being shorter would be a big advantage on a space mission. Perhaps they'll realize that for the next one. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish that were true, Cherie. I'd be the first to apply!
DeleteI need dreams. They are what I hang rainbows, stars and the moon on. A blank slate full of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteYou can keep space though... I don't fly well and suffer (badly) from motion sickness.
I love your description of dreams!
DeleteI do have to wonder why there's a height requirement. Do they think you can't reach the pedals? Well, I'm short too, and I know we can do lots of stuff that other can't. Keep dreaming, though. One day space travel will be more prevalent.
ReplyDelete"Can't reach the pedals?" Too funny. Probably would be true, though.
DeleteI'm not sure why they'd want tall people. I'm pretty tall, at 5'9" but I have zero desire to fly out into space. Probably my Capricorn side, firmly rooted to the earth's soil. But I hope you get to go if you want to, Ellie!
ReplyDeleteI had another look at Mars One entry requirements and found they also have a maximum height limit. But at 6ft 2in, I don't expect it will rule out the majority of tall people who want to apply. I'll keep dreaming.
DeleteI'm reminded of myself many years ago when I wanted to be an astronaut. Back then, there were no women astronauts. Sally Ride changed that in 1983.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time I wanted to join NASA, hubby too was at university hoping for his chance in space. They told him despite his aptitude, he'd never be chosen because of his eyesight. That too, is no longer an obstacle.
So never say never. Things change. And being short ought to be an advantage. We use less oxygen. :-)
"We use less oxygen." We should be picked on that point alone ;)
DeleteAs you say, times change. Such a shame your hubby didn't have his chance.
I'm still waiting for the big wheel, city-sized space station to be built so I can live on it!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteLOL. I really, really want to go through the Stargate and visit other worlds. I would love to go into space but I don't think the opportunity will come about.
ReplyDeleteA Stargate would be amazing. I'd love to go forward in time a few thousand years to see if we did make it to those distant stars.
DeleteI'm not sure if there's a height requirement. Never lose hope.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com