Astronaut Bears

We learnt loads about space at the National Space Centre (surprise!) but we particularly enjoyed finding out what it is like to be an astronaut and whether we would be suitable candidates. We know monkeys have gone into space but we're still not sure whether any bears have.

We were able to try our paw at some astronaut tests and did quite well, despite long queues and computer malfunctions. We also watched a film called 'Astronaut' in the centre's amazing 360 degree field of view fulldome cinema, where the video and sound literally surrounded us - quite an experience we can assure you.

Then we came back down to earth and considered some of the practicalities.


Out of all of us, Yorkie was the most worried about what there might be to eat, but then he isn't nicknamed 'piranha' for nothing. In our picture you can see him taking a look at some of the foodstuffs that astronauts have taken with them on space missions. It didn't look too appetising and was all either dried or tinned, including the dried fruit juices.

Of course the question we were all dying to ask was, how do astronauts manage to go to the toilet given the lack of gravity to make things flow/drop downwards? In the end we didn't have to ask one of the staff, as we came across a space toilet along with instructions!


As you can see, George found it quite fascinating. He couldn't help thinking it must be a lot easier for chaps than ladies, not that this would be much of a problem for Bears Unlimited members, being predominantly male. He also couldn't help thinking that the toilet bowl rather reminded him of a milk churn and went off milk for a day or two after this visit.

All in all, while we enjoyed finding out about being an astronaut, we thought we enjoyed our lives on earth too much to want to become one, especially when we found out that you can't get Woodforde's Wherry in space.

Lots of love from all at Bears Unlimited xxx