What Was It Like Being in Space?

Have Astronauts Ever Talked About Spacecraft Aesthetics?

I’ve always been fascinated by space, and I can’t help but wonder—what’s it actually like to live in space? Do the cramped quarters or the purely utilitarian design ever get to anyone? Do astronauts or engineering teams ever talk about how spacecraft could look as well as function?

The first time I saw design adjustments for aesthetics in space was when the Orbit team introduced pink spacesuits. It made me wonder—are there other changes made just for aesthetics or comfort? Is a spacecraft both practical and visually engineered? Do interior designers work for NASA? And what about usability—does NASA bring in HCI/UX architects or accessibility experts to improve efficiency and design, or is that all left to engineers?

I don’t have all the answers, but I’d love to know more. This stuff is fascinating!

The Impact of Social Media on STEM Accessibility

I wish more STEM fields were as open as space exploration is now. As someone who grew up with the internet, I never had access to SEE and HEAR real astronauts, scientists, engineers, and doctors talk about their work in such a personal way. Now, I get to follow along in real-time and share it with my daughter, showing her what these careers actually look like.

Future generations will be able to make more informed decisions about their careers in ways that were completely unprecedented when I was a kid. Back then, we had books, cartoons, and highly curated news stories—just a small glimpse into what the real world looked like.

Don’t get me wrong, I know social media isn’t perfect. It’s often curated, edited, and can tell its own version of reality. But it’s still something different—something special—to follow real astronauts and scientists as they share their daily lives, personal struggles, and groundbreaking research.

Real Astronauts, Real Stories

For example, I follow Jeannette Epps, who recently posted about drawing blood to freeze it for immunity testing—research that could improve human life spans and adaptation to space. I’ve been moved by Kellie Gerardi, who shares her struggles with IVF while uplifting millions of women and children who relate to her journey. And I got actual goosebumps watching Emily Calandrelli (@thespacegal) become the 100th woman in space! She’s a children’s author, a science communicator, and a YouTuber creating fun, hands-on science experiments for kids and adults—similar to what she did on her (unfortunately canceled) Netflix series.

These are real people, living incredible lives. And in my opinion, they’re far better role models than most celebrities.

Who We Choose to Follow Shapes Our Perspective

I love movies and music, but I’ve always known more scientists, authors, artists, and mathematicians than actors or musicians. Half the time, if I’m talking about a famous person, I have to describe their looks or the movie they were in because I never remember their names. But astronauts and scientists? I remember them.

I can’t help but think—what a lucky world we live in.

Astronauts and Scientists I Love to Follow

Here are some of my favorite astronauts and science communicators. If you want to make your social media feed more STEM-focused, check them out:

• 🚀 @thespacegal – YouTuber, children’s author, and now an astronaut!
• 🚀 @spacenorah – Doesn’t post as much, but a strong advocate for STEM
• 🚀 @shawnapandya – Funny, dark/smart humor, quick wit, and a public speaker
• 🚀 Kellie Gerardi – One of my favorites, and a mom to Delta!
• 🚀 @therealnicoliae – Inspiring content and space insights
• 🚀 @ingenieraenorbita – Engineering meets space exploration
• 🚀 Dr. Sian Proctor – Poet, scientist, and space advocate (she’s going on a zero-G flight soon!)