The Last Astronaut: Peter Macky’s Odyssey - fiction by KBL

 

The Last Astronaut: Peter Macky’s Odyssey

Short fun SciFi fantasy by Keith Lambert

Meet our Astronaut

  Peter Macky floated in the quiet expanse of the transfer space station, orbiting the Moon. Born in 2020, Peter had always dreamed of the stars. His career in the Space Force had been illustrious, leading him to become a key figure in the “Space Y Program,” which aimed to colonize the Moon.  His nickname was Peter “Fix-It” Macky.  His grandfather was a talented mechanic in VA.  His Great Grandfather an old school NASA man who helped put the first men on the moon.  Many things had changed.  But the need to have the most talented men in space was still key. 

SpaceX and the few bright years of Elong Musky’s successes got the space program reinvigorated.  The daunting challenges did not faze Peter.  His time boating and surviving storms as a youth in Florida made him feel intrepid and indestructible.  He did have a witty response to the Moon colonization detractors, if they would go… “Why Go to the moon?”  His reply was energetically “Why Not.”  A standard reply used as the Program Y was so very prone to getting a back seat to the bold trip to the next planet Mars, the famous Program M.

Now, after 20 years of space exploration launches and a toe hold of lunar colonization, Earth could no longer support these missions.  Peter found himself marooned, alone but determined to survive.

The Moon Transfer Space Waystation (MTSW) or just Waystation for short, was well-stocked, with rations meant for a crew of ten for ten years.  Unfortunately – or is that fortunately – that crew was down on the moon in their bases and digging in deeper by the week.  He was the Solo or minim complement on the Waystation.  Way up above and exposed.  The water reclamation systems and oxygen generators ensured he had the essentials.  But the real challenge was protecting himself from the relentless space radiation.

Peter knew the dangers well.  Space was filled with ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar particle events (SPEs).  These could damage DNA, increase cancer risk, and cause other health issues.  His first task was to enhance the station’s shielding.   He decided to put his Fix-It skills to this task with earnest.

Crafting a Safe Haven

Peter’s training and ingenuity came into play.  He began by reinforcing the station’s storm shelter, using every available material.  He integrated layers of polyethylene, known for its hydrogen content, which effectively slowed down and absorbed charged particles.  He also used aluminum and advanced composites to block various types of radiation.  Some scavenged from outer cells and re connected to make a central space extra secure. 

Next, Peter turned his attention to his spacesuit. The Artemis III AxEMU suit was already advanced, with layers of polyethylene and Kevlar. But Peter wanted more. He incorporated a fine mesh of copper and nickel into the suit’s outer layers, creating a Faraday cage effect to block electromagnetic fields. This mesh, with a size of about 1 millimeter, was perfect for shielding against high-frequency radiation. His technical skills at patiently attaching and interlocking the field connections were his crowning achievements as he had limits on supplies and tools on hand.  There was no resupply at all.  Not even a robot with no humans to give a small amount of support.

 

Space suits have to balance many tasks

 

Daily Life and Innovations

Life on the Waystation was a routine of maintenance and innovation. Peter monitored his radiation exposure with wearable detectors, adjusting his activities based on the readings. He used the station’s 3D printer to create additional shielding components, constantly improving his environment.

Peter’s days were filled with many boring tasks, but he found solace in small successes. He managed to repair a critical oxygen generator using parts from an old rover. He also developed a system to use water and other consumables as additional shielding, placing them strategically around his living quarters. Each little food pouch becoming a quilt of a new layer to enhance protections in his primary living spaces.  The little things of welding them together with no lost energy to the life support becoming his sport.  Like a one man chess game he had to think it through and plan it when the solar panels had good electrical load and the other systems were not drawing to much.

Teaching Through Experience

Peter kept a detailed journal, documenting his efforts and discoveries. He hoped that one day, his notes would help future astronauts. He wrote about the importance of timing missions with the solar cycle, the benefits of using local materials for habitat construction, and the potential of radioprotective drugs that he had aboard.

He also reflected on the challenges faced by the “Space M Program” on Mars. The Martian colonists were farther from Earth and struggled with resupply issues. Peter felt a kinship with them, knowing they shared the same fight against space radiation.  This situation got more and more severe as the radios and their power systems became less and less reliable.  As they aged hard on Mars due to systems not supported by resupply the fellow astronauts attempting to make a foothold suffered death after painful death.

Mars space colony had a harsh ending

 A Glimmer of Hope

One day, as Peter listened to the radio, he heard a piece of news that filled him with hope. Elon Musk’s grandson, X2, had received the green light from the One World Government to start a new space launch program. This could mean a rescue mission, a chance to return home or to reach the Moon’s surface.  He longed to be with people again.

Peter’s spirits lifted. He continued his work with renewed vigor, knowing that his efforts to protect himself from the Sun’s brutal radiation were paying off. His craftiness and determination were his saving grace.  Little did he know that the news and propaganda on earth moved on and the public never heard about the space program and lost interest in it yet again.

Conclusion

Peter Macky’s story is one of resilience and ingenuity. Alone in the vastness of space, he used his knowledge and skills to survive. His journey teaches us about the dangers of space radiation and the innovative ways to overcome them. As he waits for a rescue, Peter remains a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive against all odds.

In the end… time is the one master no man can beat.  As the socialistic committee of the 300 debated the air in Peter’s lungs was the problem. Not the air in the re-circulation system.  At 88 years old peter knew his last days where upon him.  He put on the last working Artimus suit he had and climbed out onto observation deck.  Left his feet magnetized to the deck and allowed his air to run out.  He floats along to this day.  His Waystation orbit having about 600 +/- years to go until it runs out.  The view will be fantastic.  He decided to go out with his face to the stars that he loved as a child.  Godspeed to you intrepid spacemen.  Sailors in the firmament of Gods greatest waters.

The End.

 

Or Is It a Beginning for You?

 

 

Are you Interested In more?

Here are some educational resources sorted by learning levels to help students understand space suits, space radiation, spacecraft protections from radiation, sunspots, and radiation belts.

Middle School Learning Level

Space Suits

• NASA’s Suited for Spacewalking Educator Guide: This guide provides an overview of the technology behind spacesuits, including classroom activities and a glossaryNASA Suited for Spacewalking Guide¹.
• Design a Spacesuit Lesson: This lesson plan helps students understand why astronauts need spacesuits and includes activities to design their ownIntrepid Museum Design a Spacesuit Lesson².

Space Radiation

• Why Space Radiation Matters: An introduction to space radiation, its types, and its effects on astronautsNASA Why Space Radiation Matters³.
• Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge Middle School Educator Guide: Hands-on activities to understand the effects of radiation on living systemsNASA Space Faring Guide⁴.

Spacecraft Radiation Protection

• Ray Shielding Activity: A lesson plan for students to analyze different materials for radiation shieldingNASA Ray Shielding Educator Guide⁵.

Sunspots and Radiation Belts

• Sunspots and Solar Flares: An overview of sunspots and their effects on solar activityNASA Space Place Sunspots⁶.

High School Learning Level

Space Suits

• Space Suit Science: A resource that explains how spacesuits work and why they are essential for survival in spaceSTEM Learning Space Suit Science⁷.

Space Radiation

• Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge High School Educator Guide: Detailed lessons on the types of radiation, their effects, and countermeasuresNASA Space Faring Guide⁸.

Spacecraft Radiation Protection

• Ray Shielding Activity: A more advanced look at materials for radiation shielding and their applications in spacecraftNASA Ray Shielding Student Guide⁹.

Sunspots and Radiation Belts

• Living With a Star: An educator guide that explores the connections between the Sun and Earth, including sunspots and solar activityNASA Living With a Star¹⁰.

College Level Learning Notes

Space Suits

• U.S. Spacesuit Knowledge Capture: Lessons learned from spacesuit experts and astronauts, covering the history and technology of spacesuitsNASA NESC Academy Online¹¹.

Space Radiation

• Space Radiation Miniseries: Videos explaining the space radiation element in detail, suitable for advanced learnersNASA Space Radiation Miniseries¹².

Spacecraft Radiation Protection

• Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge: Comprehensive guides on radiation biology, its effects on living organisms, and countermeasuresNASA Space Faring Guide⁸.

Sunspots and Radiation Belts

• Sunspots: Detailed scientific explanations of sunspots, their causes, and their impact on solar activityNASA Science Sunspots¹³.

These resources should provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions related to space radiation and astronaut protection across different educational levels