A few decades ago, only the lucky professional astronauts hired and trained by various government agencies would travel to space. In the early 2000s, seven intrepid travelers paid millions of dollars to spend a few days in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Now, we are in another era of space exploration, and various commercial companies such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic developing advanced spacecrafts.
The spacecrafts can take travelers beyond the Earth’s surface to experience weightlessness in space before returning to the earth’s surface. One of the activities most people who move to space try is spacewalking. People who have tried this activity describe it as awesome. They also claim that it is risky and requires adequate preparation. So, before trying it, you should know what to expect.
What is Spacewalking?
Spacewalking, also known as extravehicular activity (EVA), is a broad term that describes any moment a person steps out of a space vehicle when in space. Alexei Leonov was the first person to spacewalk. Leonov spent only 10 minutes outside a space vehicle but today, most people who travel to space, particularly astronauts, spacewalk for more minutes. Initially, astronauts would spacewalk to do exterior repairs on various things, such as solar panels that power satellites.
Is Spacewalking Safe?
Spacewalking is a risky activity because you will have to step out of the highly protected space vehicle and enter an environment full of risks, particularly cosmic radiation. Apart from being physically challenging because of the spacesuit pressurized resistance, it is mentally demanding. You will have to focus on the work you plan to do and your safety.
To make spacewalking safe, the people spacewalking must have the right equipment. For example, they should have adequate oxygen during the spacewalk. Besides, they should be in pressurized suits made to prevent the harsh radiations from reaching their body.
Space tourism companies also require the people spacewalking to remain tethered to the space vehicle. The space-walkers have to be under strict full-time observation of experienced safety crew.
The Experience to Expect During a Spacewalk
Individuals who have spacewalked describe the experience as awesome. Some have named it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which no person should miss. Still, they claim that it is not for the faint-hearted. You might experience something different if you are afraid of heights.
While you will remain tethered to the space vehicle, you will move freely. Spacewalkers manage to capture priceless and timeless photos to add to their home albums. Some of the photos may be the reference points for future journals, books, documentaries, and other work-related to space. So, if you have ever dreamt of being part of history, spacewalking is the route to take.
Which Space Travel Companies offer Spacewalking?
As we have already stated, spacewalking requires a lot of preparation and it comes with many big risks. The training and needed protective equipment can be very expensive and the involved risks push the cost higher. It is for that reason most space travel companies do not offer spacewalking activities. However, as more companies venture into space tourism, the offered activities are likely to increase.
According to Andrey Bokarev, the many activities will attract more people, especially those seeking a unique travel experience. Keep in mind that only the space travel companies that offer orbital flights may include spacewalking in their list. That is for the reason that companies that engage in suborbital flights take a short time in space.
Spacewalking is among the unique experiences that many people who travel to space look forward to. The number of companies offering space travel services has increased recently. So, when choosing a company, choose one that offers many activities in space, such as photography and spacewalking. Only try spacewalking if it is safe.
