Experiences in Space

According to Alexander one faces interesting experiences while in space: In a space flight, in order to cope with the fear of death, you have to believe that you are stronger than the circumstances. Once an individual goes to space he is a different person. When he was in space, Alexander strongly felt that all the politicians and decision-makers could be sent to space so that they can develop a different view of things. He himself felt pacified and has become much calmer after his space flight. He has also realised that many problems are not important. Most of them are insignificant and should not be paid attention to.

Apprehensions during the flight and Life in Space

It appears that there is less apprehension while starting the flight, as one knows that the capsule will jettison and one will be safe. However, during the landing one is more apprehensive as there are more dangers. The life in space can be very interesting. First of all one can see the entire earth in a span of one-and-a-half-hours. One can also see all the trouble spots on the surface of the earth. Once, when there was a power shut down on the Mir station, he could see the beautiful Polar lights, the Aurora, which was a unique experience. He could see a typhoon coming up and could warn the people on earth.

In space, one could just take a bath with one glass of water. If the water falls out of the glass it takes the shape of a bowl. One can put a straw inside the bowl and sip the water. While eating, one does not require a table to keep the plate. The plate will not fall down and would stay in the air. The cosmonauts feel very powerful and mighty in space as they could move any heavy object with ease. One is able to move things weighing hundreds of kilograms effortlessly and feels that he is a very strong human being. According to Alexander the space is also a very good place to lose weight. Within a month of being in space one starts losing weight without doing anything extra.

Before going to space, men and women have to undergo rigorous training. As part of the training the cosmonauts are put inside a centrifuge that rotates at a very high speed. This is done to prepare them for space conditions. After returning to earth the cosmonauts feel very uncomfortable. They are not able to walk and balance. They can easily fall down or break an arm or leg. Their bowels are week. They are kept under medical supervision but within three months they again become strong, young and healthy and get invited all around the world.

Alexander's future plan is to keep flying and continue to master & learn about the world. He would like to visit other planets, if not, at least other parts of earth. He loved coming to India and hopes that in the Mers mission there would be Indian cosmonauts on board, as it is likely to be a truly international mission and India is an emerging space power.