"How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth" by Terry Virts is a captivating journey into the world of space exploration, where Virts shares his personal experiences, insights, and humor about life in outer space. The book covers a wide range of topics, from survival training and space shuttle emergencies to the art of putting on a spacesuit and even the prospect of time travel.One of the key aspects of space life covered in the book is the food. Astronauts have different categories of space food, including thermo-stabilized and rehydratable options. Thermo-stabilized food is ready to eat without rehydration and can last for months. Rehydratable food, on the other hand, involves adding water to dehydrated items, and it even includes drinks like Tang and hot chocolate. The book highlights the importance of recycling urine to save water and reduce launch costs, as water is a valuable and limited resource in space.The book also delves into the less glamorous aspects of space travel, such as going to the bathroom in space. The mechanics of waste disposal involve airflow and fans to ensure everything goes in the right direction. Virts discusses the differences between the U.S. and Russian systems for handling urine and the significance of recycling urine for future long-duration missions.In the event of being stranded in space, Virts explores the grim realities astronauts might face, including the possibility of being stuck in orbit for years with limited supplies and no means of escape. This thought-provoking scenario raises questions about how astronauts would cope with such a situation.The book addresses the future of space exploration, with a strong focus on Mars as a more interesting and hospitable destination compared to the Moon. Virts highlights the importance of nuclear power for in-space propulsion and providing electricity on planetary surfaces.Space adaptation syndrome (SAS), the physical and psychological effects of weightlessness, is another topic discussed in the book. Astronauts often experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea, with Phenergan being a solution to alleviate these symptoms.The book covers various health issues astronauts face during and after space missions, including bone and muscle degradation, vision problems (VIIP), and skin problems due to the absence of contact pressure in microgravity. The potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation are also highlighted as a major concern for future deep space missions.Virts shares his experiences during re-entry, describing the challenges of adapting to Earth's gravity, feelings of dizziness, and the importance of hydration. Despite the difficulties of re-entry, he expresses gratitude for the experience of space travel and the beauty of Earth.The book also touches on the support provided to astronauts' families during launch and landing, drawing from lessons learned after the Challenger accident.Lastly, Virts offers a personal perspective on the question of God and the existence of extraterrestrial life. He reflects on his experiments in space, which deepened his belief in a creator due to the intricate complexity of the universe and life itself.In conclusion, "How to Astronaut" by Terry Virts is a comprehensive and engaging guide to the astronaut's life, covering the practical, emotional, and philosophical aspects of space exploration, and the selected excerpts provide a taste of the book's content and insights into the challenges and wonders of space travel.