Ever watch a sci-fi movie where astronauts end up getting intimate in space, and wonder how that would work in real life? You are not alone, my friend: even some of the greatest minds in the scientific world have pondered the physics of zero-gravity intercourse.
Case in point: Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who earlier this week responded to a fan-submitted inquiry about sex in space during an episode of the National Geographic “Star Talk” program. The fan asked if there was anything different about making love while floating amongst the stars?
The astrophysicist, who clearly has given the topic a lot of thought, and perhaps conducted some research on the matter as well (pure speculation, of course), noted that one thing is very clear: the act of having sex would require couples to find a way to stay close while weightless.
“You’re floating in space and then you move towards someone and they just bounce off,” he said, according to CNET and Mashable. “If you want to get together and stay together, you need something to keep you together during all the normal body movements… So yeah, just bring a lot of leather belts to keep things strapped down and you’ll be just fine.”
Of course, these procedures are only necessary if astronauts are travelling in a zero gravity ship, Tyson explained, trying hard to maintain a serious attitude while discussing the matter. Vehicles that rotate in some way would produce enough artificial gravity for things to function normally, eliminating the need for leather belts (unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing).
Not the first time that the issue of space-lovin’ has arisen
This is far from the first time that the topic of having sex in space has come up. Back in 2000, reports surfaced that American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts had made love in space as part of research project surfaced. The stories claimed the space travelers did the deed as part of a secret NASA project, but the claims were later discredited and proved to be merely a hoax.
The US space agency, according to reports, has denied any knowledge of astronauts having sex during an actual mission. However, researchers at the Mars Society told Wired that they believe that the topic should not be taboo, and that the issue of procreation should be investigated as part of preparations for a potential mission to the Red Planet.
“If you think about colonies historically, they are at some point supposed to become self-sufficient,” said Dr. Kris Lehnhardt, chief flight surgeon for the organization’s Mars Desert Research Station, a test facility that simulates conditions on the planet. “If you didn’t allow mating, you are not setting up a colony that would populate over time. And, in theory, they would die on Mars because there wouldn’t be a propagation of species.”
“There are basic human drives to have shelter, eat and procreate, so to negate not thinking about one of them, you’re doing a disservice to space exploration,” added Dr. Saralyn Mark, a women’s health specialist who consults with agencies, including NASA.
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