Why astronauts are banned from getting drunk in space

BBC ^ | 2/20/17 | Bryan Lufkin

[Rebelbase]

[snip] The truth is, booze has historically had a complicated relationship with space exploration. Let’s take a look at what exactly could happen to astronauts who drink alcohol — and what might happen if we start sending more libations to humans in space.

There is a widely held belief that getting sloshed at higher altitudes makes you feel woozier faster. So it would seem logical to assume drinking alcohol while in orbit could have even more bizarre effects on humans. But this notion may not actually be true.

[Rebelbase]

Tossing cookies in a space suit would be problematic.

[1rudeboy]

On a side note regarding Star Trek, if synthohol does not give you a hangover (according to the storyline), then why wasn't everybody walking around blasted all the time?

[King Moonracer]

Being in space is like being at a really high altitude? Idiot author.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

If you have beer you must have pretzels.

Pretzels produce crumbs.

Crumbs are problematic in space.

So, no beer.

[dp0622]

I see you’re fearlessly tackling the hardcore issues with this thread :) jk

[Sasparilla]

So, this means NO Romulian ale?

[Fungi]

It is enough that money is taken from us to keep this pet project afloat, yet to send alcohol at strategic cost to let them get a buz? Bullcrap.

[Celtic Conservative]

I daresay the Russians aren’t teetotaling it up in the ISS. “Look Igor, here come motherland again. Nastrovye!”

CC

[Scrambler Bob]

In Space, we have no beer,
That’s why we drink it here.
...

[minnesota_bound]

If astronauts get drunk they may open a window to get fresh air to help sober them up.....

[Paladin2]

"Sea level pressure is 760 mmHg (14.7 psi). A typical passenger jet at altitude has a cabin pressure of about 565 mmHg (10.9 psi).

The atmosphere of the ISS is maintained to approximately 760 mmHg (14.7 psi), with 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The remaining 1% is composed of metabolic products such as carbon dioxide. Humidity is kept between 40-70%."

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

and when we’re gone from here,
our friends will be drinking all our beer!

[ssschev]

And I was looking forward to the Romulan ale..

[ColdOne]

Bryan...you are a idiot.

[wrench]

I seriously doubt sea level pressure is maintained in space vehicles.

Airliners maintain 8,000 ft pressure altitude when at cruise, space capsules are not pressurized to that level, a quick search should find the normal pressures in the space station.

While poorly worded, the author is correct.

[King Moonracer]

Exactly to my point. Space faring vessels probably run at 1 atm. Not at 12,000 or 30,000 feet above sea level.

[wrench]

Interesting, I thought it was maintained at 12 to 14 thousand feet.

[King Moonracer]

The author is correct because you have doubts? Well the ISS runs at 1 ATM, or should they consult you for wasting air pressure.

[King Moonracer]

The author is correct because you have doubts? Well the ISS runs at 1 ATM, or should they consult you for wasting air pressure?

[fruser1]

The exacerbated effects of booze at altitude are due to the reduced oxygen, not the pressure.

BTW, the booze restriction is exactly why I did not join the space program.