Packing for Mars

The Curious Science of Life in the Void

By: Mary Roach

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you can’t walk for a year? Have sex? Smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles per hour?

To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. As Mary Roach discovers, it’s possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA’s new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.

©2010 Mary Roach (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What You Probably Don't Realize About NASA & Space

I wasn't sure to expect when I started reading this book, so I left my expectations at the cover. Just let Mary and Sandra lead the way. Having finished the book, I can say that had anyone else read it or if I had tried to read it myself, I might have not gotten as much out of it as I did. Sandra does a good job putting emphasis where I think Mary wanted it.

Prepare to embark on a journey of nausea, potty training, a bit of history, aero- and astrodynamics, and other stuff NASA doesn't like to talk about on a day-to-day basis. Expect to learn more about these things than you ever thought you could or would, and laugh while you do.

I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in space or aviation. Everyone else would enjoy the book as well, but not as much as someone who has in interest in the subjects discussed. Whether you are drawn to aviation and space, or have a fear of heights, you will still enjoy this book and probably come away with a better appreciation for everyone involved in any space agency.

Some Things We Learn from "Packing for Mars"

Mary Roach's "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" is the perfect book for anyone who is curious about the ins and outs (literally) of space travel.

We learn:

How astronauts urinate and defecate in space, and how this process has changed from the early Apollo missions to the space shuttle to the space station.

How sex in space would work, and if anyone has ever given it a shot.

How space food is produced and consumed, and why we would not want to have NASA take over our campus dining services.

What an astronaut really does in the 99% of the time she is not in space, and what NASA (and the Russian and Japanese space agencies) look for in a potential recruit.

How astronauts train, getting used to the rigors of zero gravity, the boredom, and the need to spend 24 hours a day with your co-workers without ever being able to leave.

Why Mary Roach thinks manned space exploration should continue, and why spending the $500 billion or so to get to Mars is a good investment.

I'm a big fan of Mary Roach's books. She has covered sex (Bonk), death (Stiff), and ghosts (Spook). The only problem with "Packing for Mars" is that the title is too long.

And in the category of, "oh what a small world we live in", it turns out that Mary Roach grew up in the small town in which I now reside. Mary, you are welcome to stay at the house if you ever want to come and visit.

SPACE TRAVEL GUIDE

Mary Roach explores everything from sex to bowel movements in her outer space travel guide, “Packing for Mars”. Roach participates in some NASA training to get a first hand experience of what it takes to be a space traveler. She experiences weightlessness in 22 second intervals. She floats like a butterfly while some of her space mates puke breakfast and lunch.

Roach does use humor to explain what space travel takes but looking past the humor one is overwhelmed by the gap between current science and technology and human travel to other planets.

Informative and entertaining

From test dummies falling out of the sky to how much you smell after not bathing for weeks, this book covers it all. if you want to know the requirements for humans to travel the stars this is the book for you.

Interesting, But Somewhat Irritating

I thought this book would have more in it about how a journey to Mars might be accomplished, as the title suggests. In reality, the book is a compendium of NASA's efforts to cope with the limitations imposed by the human anatomy on space travel.

Some of this is pretty interesting. On the other hand, it might be noted that the author seems to have a fascination for bodily functions normally seen in preadolescent boys. Whatever you might imagine, the author covers. And then some. If you wanted to summarize it, you could simply say; "More than I could have imagined."

The author uses footnotes, which are read repeatedly by the narrator. Most involve attempts at wry humor, which are sometimes successful. Overall, however, they are distracting to the presentation. The narrator is technically quite competent, but there is something about her style that is vaguely off-putting. She reminds me of a school teacher reading a story.

Am I sorry I listened? Not really. If I had to do it over again, would I? Probably not so much.

It probably has a great appeal to other tastes.

Contemplate things that you normally wouldn't

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable listen. The kind of book that makes you ponder and think a bit.

Mary Roach is witty, insightful, and inspiring.

I have always been fascinated in space. After reading The Martian by Andy Weir, my passion for space travel was reignited. So, naturally, I went with something nonfiction. I found Mary's tone to be approachable, yet incredibly knowledgeable. It made me want to read more of her work!

Hard to listen to...

I enjoy Mary Roach's books and have read several of them. I downloaded this one to listen to in the car, but it's been hard. I actually had to stop listening to it because it was hard to stay on topic in my head with the multitude of footnotes Ms. Roach includes. So, I think this is probably a good book, but listening to it is difficult.

Hysterically entertaining!

I learned so much. I laughed so hard! Who knew NASA could be so sophisticated and silly at the same time?

I've got my bags packed

I read Mary Roach's "Stiff" book so when I saw this book on Audible I jumped at the chance to listen to it. Sandra Burr was the perfect narrator, I normally listen to books read by men and this was a refreshing change from overly dramatic readings that some men do. This book was written before Felix Baumgautners(spelling?) Red Bull jump and it was interesting to hear about preparations for that and a little more why he did it.
The book does at sometimes feel like Roach either got the idea to write the book from her notes of her other books: Gulp, Bonk and Stiff. I am glad she did though because her writing style has just the right amount of information and humor to keep me interested.
I hope to see manned space mission to Mars in my lifetime. The scientists and volunteers devoted to this prospect deserve all the praise and recognition we can give them.