Q: What will the astronaut, who is going to spend a year in space, eat? Is there any way he’ll be able to exercise?
—Eddie Webster, Douglasville
A: Astronauts eat three meals a day in space, usually consuming between 1,900 calories (for smaller women) and 3,200 calories (for larger men).
They can choose from a variety of foods, such as macaroni and cheese and spaghetti – which are prepared by adding water — beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, fruit, brownies and candy.
The drink options include coffee, tea, lemonade and juice, NASA wrote on its “A Day in the Life” blog about living on the International Space Station.
Salt and pepper are in liquid form because the grains can float away and “could clog air vents, contaminate equipment or get stuck in an astronaut’s eyes, mouth or nose.”
Exercise equipment is specifically designed for space and astronauts, who spend up to 2½ hours a day in physical activity.
Exercising is critical in space. Bone and muscle mass can be quickly lost in microgravity because they’re not being used to support the body.
The astronauts are monitored and their exercise programs can be altered to meet their bodies’ needs.
Q: I remember during the 1970s and ’80s that Masters golfers and tournament officials each received a white Cadillac as a courtesy car for Masters week. Does this tradition still exist?
—Mark Taylor, Carrollton
A: Mercedes-Benz has provided courtesy cars at the Masters since 2008, an Augusta National Golf Club spokesman told Q&A on the News in an email.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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