Packing for Mars: Chapter 1 Summary

Within Chapter one, Roach goes through all of the important things that one should do when going into a Japanese home. One must take off their shoes and put on slippers. There are several candidates in isolation chambers awaiting selection all the while knowing only two candidates will be chosen. The isolation chambers are constantly monitored by cameras which eliminates privacy completely. This methodology is described by Roach in saying that one can find out a lot about another person within a one on one interview, however by being on camera 24/7 you find out the entire truth about a person. Within this candidate selection process, this is incredibly important because space is no place for someone who is unfit mentally.

There is virtually no privacy at all. When it is time to eat, the candidates are given containers of food. Once it is opened, most everyone is afraid to take a bite of this new cuisine. Once the first bite has been braved, they finish their food and have their container inspected to ensure that it is all gone. This just goes to show that all aspects of their life are monitored until the candidates are chosen.

This chapter was very eye opening to me because I never really knew what it took to become an astronaut. All the time you hear about kids wanting to grow up to be an astronaut. Part of me thinks that if one knew exactly what it entailed, this would not be something that many people would really want to do.

I find it very noble and interesting that people are willing to sacrifice everything, including their own privacy just to go to space. I suppose this is just something I can simply not identify with.