It didn't take me long to get into Packing for Mars. The
first chapter shows the interesting method used to pick an astronaut. I am sure
I was not the only one trying to decide if I was astronaut material. It is
incredibly fascinating the amount of scrutiny the candidates have to go
through. While a week does not seem like a long time, a week of constantly
being observed probably feels like forever. Just the thought that everything
you are doing is being observed and assessed is enough to get you a little uneasy.
Something as basic as eating dinner can become a challenge. During dinner, all
of the candidates have to think out every move. “They sit down again, but no one picks up
chopsticks. You can tell they are all coming up with a strategy. Does taking the first bite show
leadership, or does it suggest impatience and self-indulgence? The test doesn't
even end there. The candidates are even assessed on what they eat, what they
don’t, how they put their dishes away, and if they wipe down the table or not.
Perhaps an even more grueling test is the origami crane test. The idea that
making 1,000 origami cranes can be a psychological test seems absurd, but
indeed it is true. Even crazier is the fact that the birds are being pulled
away and analyzed. If I were applying to be an
astronaut I would probably think it was a joke (and then be disqualified!). You
have to hand it to the psychologist that designed the whole assessment. They
have created a way to examine a person’s true abilities even when they are
aware of the test.
I would obviously crack under the pressure. I have no idea how these people do this and get through it (if they do of course). In my post I said how the crane test is insane and after the twentieth one I'd say screw it and walk out the door. I thought it was really intriguing that the astronauts would put these people through this some sort of torture but it's necessary. Not everyone can go into space. It takes a special kind of person to do that and I know for sure that I don't have what it takes!
ReplyDeleteI also found the process of becoming and finding astronauts to be odd and overwhelming to think about. Being watched and trying to do everything right is nerve wrecking. I know I wouldn't be able to keep it together having them text and watch me throughout the whole week.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I also spent my time early in the book wondering whether or not I was astronaut material. I consider myself very patient but the tasks and psychological pressure put on astronaut candidates were so particular and grueling that I don't think I would have what it takes. You make great points by picking out ideas, like does being the first to take a bite to eat show leadership or impatience? This was definitely one of the most interesting parts of the book to read.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was kind of funny how applicant A says, "Bon appetit" and still doesn't want to take the first bite. It really was interesting how the whole lunch scene was also a test. These tests seem ridiculous but I can see the sense in them as little annoyances really can build up and cause a mental breakdown. The toilet idea was good because i know if I couldn't go to the bathroom, holding it would be very aggrevating.
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