Fingernail Loss Is Astronauts' Biggest Complaint


Did you think drinking your own urine was bad? To truly test whether you have the right stuff, imagine ripping out your own fingernails, on purpose. A couple of astronauts have done this before going into orbit, because they figure it’s better than losing them inside chafing, unwieldy spacesuit gloves, according to Dava Newman, director of MIT’s technology and policy program and director of the university’s Man Vehicle Lab.

Astronauts with large hands are more prone to suffering from this complaint as their gloves are too tight. This cuts off circulation and causes fingernails to fall off. Engineers are currently working on a design for gloves with robotic joints to address the problem. I'll put off space travel until there is a fix.

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-09/bulky-tight-fitting-gloves-cause-tough-nails-astronauts-lose-their-fingernails - Via Quiddity

Fingernails or a spacewalk? Bring me a fifth of rum and a pair of pliers.

But seriously, NASA spends so much money on crap (according to Nasa admin Charlie Bouldin the third largest expenditure of NASA is educational outreach programs to 'Muslim' nations) you would think they would have spent a little more on stuff they have been using extensively for decades now.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Meanwhile, the race to Mars is on! Yeah, right. Give it up, NASA. You're glory days are gone. Now you're just wasting money. Spend your time figuring out ways to avoid the next all-living-killer-asteroid.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 4 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"Fingernail Loss Is Astronauts' Biggest Complaint"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More