Alcohol in Space: Past, Present, and Future

Alcohol has been a part of human culture for centuries. It is used for social, religious, and medicinal purposes. But what about alcohol in space? Can astronauts drink alcohol? What are the effects of alcohol on the human body in space? And what role will alcohol play in future space missions?

Alcohol in Space: Past, Present and Future

by Stephen J. Pyne

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Alcohol in Space: The Past

The first recorded instance of alcohol consumption in space occurred in 1961, when Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov drank a tube of cognac during his 25-hour Vostok 2 mission. Titov reported that the cognac helped him to relax and sleep. In the years that followed, other Soviet cosmonauts also drank alcohol in space, including Alexei Leonov, the first person to walk in space.

The Americans, however, were more cautious about alcohol consumption in space. NASA prohibited astronauts from drinking alcohol during missions. This policy was based on the belief that alcohol would impair astronauts' judgment and performance. However, in 1971, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard smuggled a small bottle of scotch onto the Apollo 14 mission. Shepard drank the scotch during the mission, and he reported that it helped him to relax and sleep.

Alcohol in Space: The Present

Today, NASA still prohibits astronauts from drinking alcohol during missions. However, the agency does allow astronauts to drink alcohol after they have returned to Earth. Astronauts often celebrate their successful missions with a glass of champagne or wine.

In addition to NASA, other space agencies also have policies regarding alcohol consumption in space. The European Space Agency (ESA) allows astronauts to drink alcohol in moderation during missions. The Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) also allows astronauts to drink alcohol in moderation, but only after they have completed their mission objectives.

Alcohol in Space: The Future

As humans begin to explore deeper into space, the issue of alcohol consumption in space will become increasingly important. Long-duration space missions will require astronauts to find ways to relax and cope with the stress of living in a confined environment. Alcohol could potentially play a role in helping astronauts to maintain their mental and physical health during these missions.

However, there are also risks associated with alcohol consumption in space. Alcohol can impair astronauts' judgment and performance, and it can also dehydrate them. Therefore, it is important to develop guidelines for alcohol consumption in space that balance the potential benefits and risks.

Alcohol has a long and complex history in space. It has been used by astronauts to relax, sleep, and celebrate. However, there are also risks associated with alcohol consumption in space. Therefore, it is important to develop guidelines for alcohol consumption in space that balance the potential benefits and risks.

Further Reading

• NASA: Alcohol Tolerance
• ESA: Alcohol Consumption in Space
• Roscosmos: Alcohol Consumption in Space (in Russian)