Ask an Astronaut: My Guide to Life in Space

Written by Tim Peake

Narrated by Robin Ince

Was it fun to do a space walk? How squashed were you in the capsule on the way back? What were your feelings as you looked down on Earth for the first time? Were you ever scared? Where to next -- the Moon, Mars, or beyond?

Based on his historic mission to the International Space Station, Ask an Astronaut is Tim Peake's guide to life in space, and his answers to the thousands of questions he has been asked since his return to Earth. With explanations ranging from the mundane -- how do you wash your clothes or go to the bathroom while in orbit? -- to the profound -- what's the point? -- all written in Tim's characteristically warm style, Tim shares his thoughts on every aspect of space exploration.

From training for the mission to launch, to his historic spacewalk, to re-entry, he reveals for readers of all ages the cutting-edge science behind his groundbreaking experiments, and the wonders of daily life on board the International Space Station. The public was invited to submit questions using the hashtag #askanastronaut, and a selection are answered by Tim in the book, accompanied with illustrations, diagrams, and never-before-seen photos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Oct 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781478994718

Tim Peake

Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. He is also a bestselling author and an inspirational communicator of science to audiences of all ages. Tim served as an army officer and a combat search and rescue instructor, and flew helicopter operations. Tim was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and after arduous training Tim was assigned to a mission to the International Space Station in May 2013. He launched to space on 15 December 2015. Tim took part in over 250 scientific experiments during his mission. His Principia mission also focused on educational outreach, engaging more than 2 million schoolchildren across Europe in over 30 projects during his time in space. Tim's bestselling books include: Hello, is this planet Earth? (Century, 2016) Ask An Astronaut (Century, 2017) and The Astronaut Selection Test Book (Century, 2018)

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Picked up for a challenge, found myself so engrossed that I finished it in one night one morning. Peake has a nice, light, straightforward way of explaining things, and the illustrations add just the right amount of levity. He even explained divers' 'bends' to me better than anyone else, using the analogy of a carbonated drink.

[sharonmariabidwell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’ve taken several weeks to read this book, dipping in an out, but having loved, ‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’, Tim’s pictorial look at travelling to space reading this was a simple decision. Tim has put together a fascinating and informative book that answers every question most of us would ever want to ask and answers them in a way most anyone can understand. From training, to launch, to working in space, what a spacewalk is like, and how it feels to return to Earth, as well as what’s coming in the future. A fun narrative and must-read book for anyone who has ever looked up at the stars and wondered what’s out there.

[andibook-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A well paced stroll through there astronaut experience, from what-it-takes, to training missions, through life on the ISS, and ending with touchdown and recovery.

Honestly the question/answer format was nice, but unnecessary; the questions weren't particularly interesting, and mostly just provided small chapter breaks in an already well-organized narrative. "Ask" an astronaut led me to expect something a little more, I don't know, wacky? Down-and-dirty, like Packing for Mars? But this was a good solid read.

Particularly of interest:

- WAY more diverse training than I would've thought, including a long undersea research mission (with a terrifying toilet situation) and cave exploration/camping.
- Oh hey offhand enema.
- Mild Russian badassery (could've done with more of this tbh).
- Occasional reminders that the author is British.
- Microgravity sounds fun except for all the many, many, many side effects, oh and also space debris that could explosively murder you at any point wow.

[nancyadair-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is amazing to consider that since 1961 when Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space that only 545 people have reached Earth's orbit. Tim Peake is one, having been on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015. His book Ask and Astronaut: My Guide to Life in Space is as close as most of us will get to knowing what it is like.

When Tom Wolfe wrote The Right Stuff, he was talking about the first American astronauts who had come up from the ranks of pilots. Today's astronauts need very specific skills, including being good at language, since being in the ISS requires knowing Russian.

"NASA astronaut and ISS commander Scott Kelly told me that it is only the first ten years of studying Russian that are difficult."

The most important trait needed to be an astronaut is character and drive. Mike Massimino also wrote about that in his memoir Spaceman.

Peake wrote this book to answer the questions people ask all the time about being space. Chapters include Launch, Training, Life and Work on the ISS, Spacewalking, Earth and Space, Return to Earth, and Looking to the Future. There are great illustrations, diagrams, and color photographs.

I can't imagine living in 'a tin can' for months. And yet this is what today's astronauts do. And sharing that space with other people.

Okay, perhaps I can imagine that but I really can't imagine spacewalking. Leaving the 'safe haven' of the ISS for a black vacuum where temperatures can go from frigid to boiling in minutes, unprotected from various flying space stuff. One wrong move and--well, watch the movie Gravity and skip the happy ending. Peake notes it is actually quite easy to fall off the space station. The danger is palpable.

All this while wearing adult 'nappies'.

But other things can go wrong, too. In 1965 a Soviet astronaut was in space when his suit ballooned and stiffened. His hands and feet slipped from their places, and the only thing he could do was depressurize his suit. He was suffering from decompression sickness when, with much struggling, he entered the airlock.

Peake was part of a team to repair the ISS solar panel, restoring its electric power. Being in space gave him "the sensation of being a microscopic spectator in an immeasurably vast universe. It was, at the same time, the most astonishing and humbling experience of my life."

This is a great book for inquisitive minds, from the young to us older folk who grew up with the Space Race.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.