• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Expert breaks down the possibility of astronauts having sex in space although it could be like 'skydiving'

Home> Technology> Space

Published 16:46 17 Aug 2024 GMT+1

Expert breaks down the possibility of astronauts having sex in space although it could be like 'skydiving'

From fluids to gravity woes, having sex in space could prove to be tricky

Britt Jones

Britt Jones

There are many things we think about when it comes to astronauts and space, but what about sex?

This topic is quite interesting, and the answer is even better, albeit weird.

As NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were supposed to be at the International Space Station for 10 days and are probably going to be up there until February of next year thanks to some malfunctions, some people's minds have wandered to the prospect of getting jiggy in outer space.

It’s a good question.

Advert

However, while sex on Earth while trapped together seems only natural, space could be a completely different scenario.

Sex in space? Maybe. (Getty Stock Image)
Sex in space? Maybe. (Getty Stock Image)

With so many unanswered questions about how it’d work, experts have had to weigh in to provide you dirty people with all the information you need.

Firstly, the logistics would be hard to navigate, especially when it comes to thrusting without gravity.

John Millis, a physicist and astronomer, told The Sun Online in 2018 that sex in space would be like ‘skydiving’, and even though it’s hard, it’s ‘not impossible.’

He said: “The issues surrounding the act all revolve around the freefall, micro-gravity, environment experienced by astronauts. Imagine engaging in sexual activity while skydiving — every push or thrust will propel you in opposite directions.

“Even the lightest touch can make it difficult to stay in contact if both persons are not properly anchored. The astronauts would need to brace themselves against the space station and even each other.”

Getting an erection could prove tricky too, as he explained that blood rises to your head instead of your genitals in micro-gravity environments.

Because the area causes low blood pressure, it can actually cause a penis to shrivel up and testosterone to decrease.

The gravity issue would also cause a mess as you’d have fluids flying all over the place.

Gravity would be very hard to manage. (Getty Stock Image)
Gravity would be very hard to manage. (Getty Stock Image)

With so many unanswered questions about how it’d work, experts have had to weigh in to provide you dirty people with all the information you need.

NASA technician Harry Stine wrote in his book Life in Space that it would be 'easier when a third person assisted by holding one of the others in place'.

Millis once told Glamour that a special contraption could be invented to help, saying: “That could be a jungle gym–type apparatus that allows people to position themselves appropriately to a strap system that holds them together or clothing that accomplishes the same thing.

“Imaginative minds will create something ingenious, I’m sure.”

Even though it’s never been confirmed that anyone has had sex in space, Paul Root Wolpe, a former NASA Bioethicist, told DW that if they wanted to get jiggy, they’d ‘have to get creative in this space'.

He said: “Everything on the walls of the space station is covered in Velcro, so you could take advantage of that by velcroing one partner to the wall.

“We don’t realize how much gravity assists us in the act of intercourse. Sex involves pressure. In space, without any counterforce, you end up constantly pushing your partner away from you.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Science, International Space Station, Sex and Relationships

Britt Jones
Britt Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Expert breaks down major warning signs that you could be allergic to sex
  • New study reveals the surprising impact of having casual sex
  • Scientist reveals whether having sex in space is possible and why it could be more difficult than you’d think
  • Sex expert reveals what's more important than penis size after study clarifies if 'size matters' to women

Choose your content:

a day ago
4 days ago
5 days ago
  • Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images
    a day ago

    NASA postpones Artemis II launch after practice run identifies major issue

    Other NASA missions have faced similar issues in the past

    Technology
  • Ramsey Cardy/Getty
    4 days ago

    ‘Godfather of AI’ reveals the jobs that will be replaced first as it takes over workplaces

    Geoffrey Hinton always has thoughts on the rise of AI

    Technology
  • Joe Raedle/Getty Images
    5 days ago

    Why NASA astronauts face ‘significant challenge’ in −410F temperatures as they prepare to fly farther into space than ever before

    It comes as extreme weather has pushed the initial Artemis II launch date back

    Technology
  • LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images
    5 days ago

    Leaked internal memo from Apple about Minneapolis ICE shootings sparks controversy

    Tim Cook is believed to have sent the message to Apple employees addressing the 'heartbreaking' events in Minneapolis

    Technology