Chemical Castration of Mars Astronauts

When
the Dowbrigade was a wee lad, he didn’t want to be a fireman, or a cowboy,
or even President. Our only aspiration was to become, someday,
an astronaut. Of course, we were forced to give up the dream years ago
due to our weak vision and lack of any astronaut-grade skills.

However, now that word has leaked out that for their Mars mission NASA
is considering restricting eligibility to would-be astronauts on the far
side of 50, we are dreaming once again. As far as the skill department,
we are hoping that they may decide they need a top-flight English teacher,
to teach English to the Martians, of course…..

In the First World War, frontline troops who were away from their loved
ones for long periods famously had bromide put into their tea to reduce
the distraction of their sexual drive. But yesterday it was suggested that
such measures might be taken a lot further – to Mars, in fact.

"Nasa is talking about the chemical sterilisation of astronauts on
longer journeys," Dr Armstrong said, in a talk discussing the problems
humanity may face in trying to reach the planets and, eventually, the stars.

Other scientists have suggested that the best way to ensure there is no
interplanetary interplay is to crew the mission with astronauts over
the age of 50. "The idea is that they won’t be worried about having
families and concerned about getting exposed to radiation, because they’re
getting towards the end of their useful working lives," explained
Peter Bond, a British expert on space matters.

from Independent News