Deep-space Exploration Ethics

[Dubh Aingeal]

With long-term projects like manned Mars exploration on the horizon, NASA has begun discussing previously taboo subjects. Ethical and practical questions involving illness, death, genetic profiling, and astronaut relations and behavior in space need to be addressed, as NASA begins to consider new policies with these extended missions in mind.

One topic that is evidently too hot to handle: How do you cope with sexual desire among healthy young men and women during a mission years long?

[sinmantyx]

Orgies in space?

That's my vote.

In all seriousness though, at the very least allowing some sort of privacy would be very healthy. The idea of not having sex for a few years isn't completely unrealistic. Expecting someone not to avoid "private" behavior such as reading or watching pornography, masturbating, etc. I think abstaining from that for more than a month or so could be very difficult for most people.

PS: There is a strange psychological phenomena that happens with isolation. You are almost immediately drawn to the people around you in romantic ways. It's very difficult to deal with, if you have ever experienced it. I went on a trip to China with a group of people and since we felt isolated from our friends and family - many people began having the urge to pair-off even though they had not previously had romantic feelings about one another. It was very strange and hard to control. That was just two weeks and we were actually still all surrounded by people. I have no idea how profound that tendency might be in even more isolated circumstances. The article said it wasn't a "health issue" but a "behavioral issue" - I don't think there is a strong distinction between the two in this case.

[Homicidalheathen]

I guess if I were trapped in a small metal container with 3 men in outer space my only stipulation would be to enforce a NO FART ZONE. Period. :fear

[Homicidalheathen]

PS: There is a strange psychological phenomena that happens with isolation. You are almost immediately drawn to the people around you in romantic ways.

Thats probably why there is so much in breeding and/or insest in rural areas.

[sinmantyx]

Thats probably why there is so much in breeding and/or insest in rural areas.

I have no idea if that is actually true or not - or just a nasty rumor that isn't nearly as true these days as it used to be. People were not as mobile as they are now, so your choices may have been limited back in the day. Also, it used to be socially acceptable to marry cousins. Biologically, it's really not a big deal either.

Frankly, I think the concept of the "in-bred hick" is just part of a host of stereotypes about rural people. Trust me, I've had to deal with that issue before. I still do, to some degree. Every once in a while, my accent pegs me as being uncultured, stupid and naive.

In all my years living out in the country, I haven't heard of anyone having a relationship with someone they were related to - even vaguely. There were a few instances of abuse that I knew of, but I am pretty confident that those had little to do with the effects of being somewhat isolated and had little or nothing to do with the fact that the people were living in a rural area.

Sorry I'm getting a little defensive, but the comment is similiar to someone saying - "Maybe that's why so many Indians are alcoholics." Even if there is some statistical truth to the statement Bell-Curve wise - the prejudice the statement brings to mind is a little difficult to ignore.

[know_buddy_kares]

either way, whether they're related, same sex, different species, one thing is for certain.. it just might be a wise idea to bring along an extra suitcase full of condoms for those long lonely trips through space where the most unorthodox romance will be bound to blossom

[sinmantyx]

either way, whether they're related, same sex, different species, one thing is for certain.. it just might be a wise idea to bring along an extra suitcase full of condoms for those long lonely trips through space where the most unorthodox romance will be bound to blossom

I wonder if they would have to be specially designed to deal with low gravity? I'm just waiting for the zero-g porn. Think of the positions you could accomplish while in orbit!

[BrassFusion]

I wonder if they would have to be specially designed to deal with low gravity? I'm just waiting for the zero-g porn. Think of the positions you could accomplish while in orbit!

i'd be amazed if there's no zero-g porn already. like they filmed apollo 13, on that zero-g plane trip thing? a big budget porn studio would have no problem affording that

[phee]

i'd be amazed if there's no zero-g porn already. like they filmed apollo 13, on that zero-g plane trip thing? a big budget porn studio would have no problem affording that

You better patton it before someone else steels your idea

[Homicidalheathen]

I have second cousins that married each other...so I feel comfortable in poking fun. My family tree doesn't fork the way it should lol....I don't remember what State they were in. Not far from N.C.

Now this zero gravity porn thing....

The cum shots would be just.....uh.......uh.......yah. Help! It got me!

I have no idea if that is actually true or not - or just a nasty rumor that isn't nearly as true these days as it used to be. People were not as mobile as they are now, so your choices may have been limited back in the day. Also, it used to be socially acceptable to marry cousins. Biologically, it's really not a big deal either.

Frankly, I think the concept of the "in-bred hick" is just part of a host of stereotypes about rural people. Trust me, I've had to deal with that issue before. I still do, to some degree. Every once in a while, my accent pegs me as being uncultured, stupid and naive.

In all my years living out in the country, I haven't heard of anyone having a relationship with someone they were related to - even vaguely. There were a few instances of abuse that I knew of, but I am pretty confident that those had little to do with the effects of being somewhat isolated and had little or nothing to do with the fact that the people were living in a rural area.

Sorry I'm getting a little defensive, but the comment is similiar to someone saying - "Maybe that's why so many Indians are alcoholics." Even if there is some statistical truth to the statement Bell-Curve wise - the prejudice the statement brings to mind is a little difficult to ignore.