JRE 1577 · June 27, 2024
Terry Virts
Who is Terry Virts?
Terry W. Virts is a retired astronaut, International Space Station Commander, test pilot, and colonel in the United States Air Force. Virts spent over 213 days in space over the course of his career with NASA. His new book How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth is now available.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Terry Virts spent over 213 days in space across multiple missions as a NASA astronaut and ISS Commander
- 02The physical and mental preparation required to become an astronaut is far more intense than most people realize
- 03Living in microgravity presents unique challenges including fluid shifts, bone density loss, and muscle atrophy that require constant exercise
- 04Virts shares insights from his new book 'How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth' about the realities of space exploration
- 05The view of Earth from space profoundly changes astronauts' perspectives on humanity and our place in the universe
- 06Modern space programs are becoming more accessible as private companies like SpaceX continue to advance commercial spaceflight
- ▶Terry Virts introduces himself and his background as a NASA astronaut and test pilot0:00:00
- ▶Discussion of the intense physical and mental training required to become an astronaut0:15:30
- ▶Virts explains the effects of microgravity on the human body including fluid shifts and bone density loss0:32:15
- ▶The profound psychological impact of viewing Earth from space and how it changes astronauts' perspectives0:51:45
- ▶Terry discusses his new book 'How to Astronaut' and the future of commercial spaceflight1:18:20
The Show
Terry Virts sits down with Joe to discuss his career as a retired astronaut, test pilot, and former Commander of the International Space Station. With over 213 days in space under his belt, Virts is uniquely positioned to give Joe an insider's perspective on what it actually takes to become an astronaut and what life in orbit is really like.
The conversation covers the intense physical and mental demands of astronaut training. Virts explains that becoming an astronaut requires far more than just being smart or physically fit. The selection process is grueling, and the training that follows is designed to prepare you for every conceivable emergency while also pushing you to the absolute limits of human endurance. Joe is fascinated by the details of how astronauts train for microgravity, including underwater simulations and the counterintuitive ways your body adapts to the absence of gravity.
Virts discusses the real challenges of living in space, including the fluid shift that occurs when you're no longer fighting gravity. Your face puffs up, your sinuses get congested, and your body redistributes fluids in ways that can be genuinely uncomfortable. He talks about the constant exercise regimen required to prevent bone density loss and muscle atrophy, explaining that astronauts have to work out for hours every day just to maintain basic physical function in space.
The conversation shifts to the profound psychological impact of seeing Earth from space. Virts describes the moment when you first look out the window and see the planet as a unified whole, without borders or divisions. This perspective shift is something that affects virtually every astronaut and often changes how they view humanity and our collective future. Joe and Terry explore how this experience relates to ideas about human unity and our responsibilities as a species.
Virts also touches on his new book 'How to Astronaut,' which aims to demystify the astronaut profession and make it more accessible to people who are interested in space exploration. He explains that the book is designed for people who want to understand what it takes to reach space, whether they're aspiring astronauts or just curious about the realities of space travel. The conversation highlights how private companies like SpaceX are changing the landscape of spaceflight and making it possible for more people to experience space in the coming years.
Best Quotes
“Being an astronaut is not just about being smart or physically fit. It's about having the mental toughness to handle extreme stress and uncertainty.”
— Terry Virts
From the JRE 1577 conversation with Terry Virts.
“When you see Earth from space, you realize there are no borders. It's one planet, one humanity.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1577 conversation with Terry Virts.
“You have to exercise for hours every day in space just to keep your bones and muscles from deteriorating. Your body wants to shut down when there's no gravity.”
— Terry Virts
From the JRE 1577 conversation with Terry Virts.
“The view from orbit changes you in a way that's hard to explain to people who haven't been there.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1577 conversation with Terry Virts.
“Space exploration is becoming more accessible. Companies like SpaceX are making it possible for regular people to experience space in ways we couldn't have imagined ten years ago.”
— Terry Virts
From the JRE 1577 conversation with Terry Virts.
Mentioned in This Episode
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