How similar is space travel to flying a fighter plane?

Recently, pilot Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after spending about 18 days in space. During this time, he did many experiments. Shubhanshu is the second indian to go to the space station, before this, India’s first astronaut Rakesh Sharma went to the space station in 1984. But do you know why only fighter plane pilots are chosen to go to the space station. Are flying a fighter plane and traveling to space similar? Let’s understand why this happens.There are some similarities as well as many differences in flying a fighter plane and traveling in space. In both cases, pilots or astronauts need to be well trained, specialized and skilled. Space travel has many challenges related to gravity, atmosphere and other factors. That’s why pilots, especially fighter pilots, are often chosen as astronauts because they have the skills needed for space travel.

What skills are needed?

Those who go into space need physical or mental stamina, experience working under pressure and the ability to handle complex things. fighter plane pilots are physically and mentally fit because they have to deal with high gravity, isolation and radiation, pilots are always prepared for such situations. fighter jet pilots have experience working under pressure, such as in a combat situation or even in an emergency situation, and they can handle the pressure easily. This experience helps them to work calmly in space.

Technologically competent

Spacecraft and equipment are constantly developing and new technologies are coming, so astronauts have to learn them quickly. In such a situation, fighter jet pilots are trained to learn new technology quickly, because new technologies and changes keep coming in aircrafts frequently. This gives them an advantage in space. Self-control is very much needed in space, for this the pilots have already been trained, so they do not face any difficulty in space.

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