Here's an interesting article, Sex in space is inevitable, say experts.It seems that with many more space missions planned, and some geared up to last quite a while, scientists are starting to give thought to the idea of sex between astronauts.
Someone who studies the psychological effects of long space missions, Jason Kring of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, says, “To say that astronauts are some superior beings who cannot have interests in any kind of sexual feelings for three years … I just don't buy it."
As for myself, I've never ever studied the psychological effects of long space missions, and I could've told you that! Three years? After three years the little green one-eyed women of Mars would look good. "Take me to your leader." "Hey, baby, let my leader fend for himself. Come to Poppa!"
The article goes on to say that space agencies are inclining more toward sending mixed crews of men and women in space. Studies suggest this is a good idea because of their better ability to perform tasks assigned to them. A NASA spokesperson said, "They're mission-oriented. They're very focused on the task at hand.” Right, for three years at a time, no hanky, no panky.
Kring, however, does see hanky panky a'brewin' and waves a cautionary flag, stating what any "armchair astronomer" might guess, that sexual frustration could ensue. Could ensue, as in would ensue. Kring again: "Human sexuality is a basic need and now you're trying to tell people, 'Hey for three years, you can't do that.' They're going to figure out a way to do it.”
The article from this point on gets unnecessarily graphic -- including something from a book that mighty truly be subtitled Cosmic Sutra, concerning "positions that might work during cosmic copulation, ranging from the modified missionary position to seated with 'interlocking Y legs'.
But we shall conclude before mentioning any of that.
Note: Spaceship graphic is by zerohdog at flickr.com
