Marathon Man

 

Dear Susannah

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It's an old joke: how do you go to the toilet in space? Answer: very carefully. Except it's a tired old joke no longer but a real challenge. I’m pleased to report that I've had no accidents as yet. And, if truth be told, it really isn't that bad. You just need to be a bit of a contortionist and get all the various parts of yourself in the right position before making a commitment. A bit like a rocket launch or a marriage. Fans and suction. I’m sure there are some who would get off on it, rather than go on it. I am not one of them.

 

The other acquired skills are how to take a shower and how to fall asleep in zero-g. One is little harder than the other and both are comparatively easy with practice. Showers are rationed of course because of the limited water supply (one a week). Sleep too is in short supply. There is still much to do and get used to; but when I do finally crawl into my sleeping bag I have no trouble in dozing off. I reach the end of each day feeling as though I've run a marathon which, given how long Galileo is, and the number of trips I make up and down its length, is very nearly true.

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