You remember this post of the newsletter on why adapting space to humans where we can adapt humans to space. I have since been searching quite actively on the internet for resources that have explored this option. I came across a great paper from 1960 entitled “Cyborgs and space” co-authored by Manfred E. Clynes, research director in electronic data-processing systems, and Nathan S. Kline, research director in psychiatry.
In the abstract, it reads:
Altering man’s bodily functions to meet the requirements of extraterrestrial environments would be more logical than providing an earthly environment for him in space . . . Artifact-organism systems which would extend man’s unconscious, self-regulatory controls are one possibility.
I think, besides Clarke’s paper (cf here), this item is an extraordinary little historical nugget. I’ll leave you savour this text word after word here, it’s not every day one come across articles like this!
PS: The information in the previous newsletter about NASA redesigning their astronaut suits because of the space cookie was actually an April fool’s. I’m glad that some readers found it, it proves that there are attentive students 🤓. For everyone else, you owe me a chocolate egg!
PPS: If you enjoy this newsletter, do not hesitate the spread the word as widely as you can! The more friends there are, the more interesting interactions there will be!
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