An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth audiobook cover - What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

Chris Hadfield

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Motivation & InspirationScience

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An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth
The Reality of the Job+
Preparation & Mental Discipline+
The Necessity of Criticism+
Managing Family & Distance+
Living on the ISS+
Returning to Earth+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the text, what is the reality of the time astronauts spend in space compared to their time on Earth?
  • A. They spend roughly equal amounts of time training on Earth and living in space.
  • B. They spend several months training on Earth for every single day they spend in orbit.
  • C. They spend most of their career in space, with only brief periods of Earth-based training.
  • D. They spend a few weeks training for missions that last several years in space.
Question 2 of 8
How does intense simulator training change an astronaut's natural reaction to danger?
  • A. It replaces the fight-or-flight response with a calm, methodical approach to prioritizing threats.
  • B. It heightens their fight-or-flight response so they can react with maximum physical speed.
  • C. It teaches them to rely entirely on Mission Control to solve unpredictable problems.
  • D. It conditions them to ignore their emotions and focus only on the mission objective regardless of personal safety.
Question 3 of 8
Why is it crucial that criticism among astronauts remains cool, detached, and never personal?
  • A. Because NASA regulations mandate strict professional conduct during press conferences.
  • B. Because personal conflicts could jeopardize survival in emergencies where crewmates must rely entirely on each other.
  • C. Because astronauts are heavily observed by the public and must maintain a flawless, heroic image.
  • D. Because personal criticism can lead to a decrease in funding for future space missions.
Question 4 of 8
How did Chris Hadfield manage the extended periods of time away from his family during training and missions?
  • A. He brought his family with him to the various international training facilities.
  • B. He strictly separated his work life from his family life to avoid causing them stress.
  • C. He anticipated his absences and planned special gestures in advance, like pre-arranging gifts for missed holidays.
  • D. He requested shorter missions so he could be home for important family milestones.
Question 5 of 8
Why must astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) exercise for two hours every day?
  • A. To prepare for the intense cardiovascular exertion required during spacewalks.
  • B. To regulate their body temperature in the poorly heated modules of the ISS.
  • C. To pass the time in an environment where there is very little actual work to do.
  • D. To maintain muscle strength so they are physically able to stand when they return to Earth's gravity.
Question 6 of 8
Besides serving as a living quarters, what is the primary function of the International Space Station (ISS)?
  • A. A military observation post to monitor global threats.
  • B. A launchpad for deep space missions to Mars and beyond.
  • C. An enormous laboratory for conducting medical, robotic, and space exploration research.
  • D. A commercial hub for space tourism and satellite repair.
Question 7 of 8
What is the general rule of thumb for an astronaut's physical recovery after returning to Earth?
  • A. It takes about one week of physical therapy for every month spent in space.
  • B. It takes one day of recovery on Earth for each day spent in space.
  • C. The body recovers almost immediately once exposed to Earth's gravity.
  • D. It takes exactly one year to fully readapt, regardless of the mission's length.
Question 8 of 8
How does Chris Hadfield describe his perspective on life on Earth after returning from space?
  • A. He finds everyday life on Earth dull and unexciting compared to the thrill of spaceflight.
  • B. He struggles to find meaning in normal jobs after experiencing the isolation of space.
  • C. He returns energized with a new, inspiring view of the world.
  • D. He becomes highly anxious and constantly worries about unpredictable terrestrial disasters.

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth — Full Chapter Overview

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth Summary & Overview

Test pilot and astronaut Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to space walk, and this is his story. He offers insight into life in the space business, from training and lift-off to space research and coming home. He outlines the surprising challenges astronauts face, both off and on this planet, and offers some of the wisdom he gained from leaving our natural home and coming back down to Earth. Even if you never make it to the stars, you’ll find that we have a lot to learn from spacemen.

Who Should Listen to An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth?

  • Anyone interested in astronauts
  • Anyone who wants to know what an astronaut actually does
  • Anyone interested in space exploration

About the Author: Chris Hadfield

Chris Hadfield has become one of the most experienced astronauts in the world since his selection by the Canadian Space Agency in 1992. He’s also served as Director of NASA Operations in Star City, Russia, and he was the Chief of International Space Station Operations from 2006 to 2008.

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