The third week of training began with the rising sun casting a soft glow over NASA's training complex. Elanor and Raya were now well acquainted with the rigorous routine, and though physically exhausting, the training had brought them closer to their goal—and each other. They had endured two grueling weeks of Zero-G exercises, emergency protocols, and astronaut conditioning, and while the journey had been physically taxing, it had also been transformative.
But the weeks ahead would push them even further.
They entered the facility on Monday morning, where they were greeted by Dr. Hernandez. The trainer's usual steely demeanor was tempered by a hint of satisfaction as she glanced at her two trainees, who had grown noticeably more confident over the last two weeks.
"This week," Dr. Hernandez began, her gaze sharp and assessing, "we'll be focusing on operational skills, simulations of onboard tasks, and protocols for spacewalking. You'll need to manage maintenance and repair duties, as well as understand basic navigation and communications. And since you're not full-time astronauts, we'll be pushing you through in accelerated mode."
Raya's eyes widened slightly. "Wait… did you say spacewalking?"
Dr. Hernandez's lips curved into a barely-there smile. "Yes. We'll be simulating spacewalks in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab and the vacuum chamber, where you'll get a close approximation of what it's like to be outside the ISS. You'll learn how to manage tethered movement, equipment handling, and the protocols for safe reentry."
Raya's face displayed a mixture of excitement and nerves. "So… no pressure, then?"
Elanor chuckled, nudging her shoulder. "It's going to be amazing. Just think about it—this is as close as we'll get to actually stepping outside the ISS."
As they suited up for their first simulated spacewalk, Elanor felt the anticipation settle over him. Even though this was technically a training exercise, the idea of being suspended in a Zero-G environment with only a tether for security was humbling. He'd studied the vastness of space his entire career, but this simulation would give him a taste of that vastness in a way he hadn't experienced before.
Simulated Spacewalks: Navigating the Void
The Neutral Buoyancy Lab—a massive water tank built to simulate weightlessness—was a familiar setting by now, but the spacewalk training took things to a new level. They were led to an area where a mock-up of the ISS's exterior was submerged, complete with maintenance panels, tools, and tether points. Their task was simple but challenging: maneuver around the exterior, secure panels, and conduct a mock repair—all while handling equipment in simulated Zero-G conditions.
Elanor felt the familiar pull of buoyancy as he descended into the tank, his gloved hands gripping the safety rail of the ISS module replica. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the importance of slow, controlled movements. One wrong push could send him drifting.
Through the helmet communicator, he could hear Raya struggling beside him, her voice slightly muffled but clear. "Okay, why does everything feel ten times heavier underwater?" she muttered, adjusting her grip as she fumbled with the tether.
"It's part of the challenge," Elanor replied with a smile she couldn't see. "We're moving as we would in space—slow and steady."
Dr. Hernandez's voice crackled through their communicators. "Focus on your positioning and small adjustments. Each movement counts, and you need to be precise with where you anchor yourself. Remember, tether safety is critical."
Elanor reached for a bolt on one of the panels, carefully guiding his hand to avoid drifting. It required intense concentration, as any unplanned movement sent ripples through the water, throwing him slightly off balance. But he managed to secure the bolt, feeling a surge of satisfaction.
Raya, meanwhile, was struggling with her own panel a few feet away. She had attached herself to a tether point but was drifting slightly as she tried to align her tools. "I swear, this feels like juggling underwater. How do astronauts manage this?"
"You're doing fine," Elanor encouraged her. "Just focus on one step at a time."
Eventually, Raya managed to secure her own panel, though not without a few frustrated mutters. When they finally completed the simulated repair, she let out a long sigh. "This is intense. I don't think I realized how much coordination it takes."
Elanor glanced over at her, feeling a surge of pride at her determination. "It's a lot to handle, but you're getting the hang of it. Space demands precision—it's not forgiving, but you're learning fast."
Raya gave a weary but proud smile. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without your encouragement."
Into the Vacuum Chamber: Simulating the Real Thing
Later that week, Dr. Hernandez introduced them to the vacuum chamber, where they would experience a simulation much closer to real-life space conditions. The vacuum chamber mimicked the airless environment of space, and while they wouldn't experience complete weightlessness, the experience of performing tasks in an airless void was meant to mirror the reality of spacewalks as closely as possible.
Inside the chamber, they wore modified space suits designed for terrestrial training. As the chamber door sealed shut and the air pressure dropped, the silence was almost tangible. Even the sound of their breathing became pronounced.
"Alright, team," Dr. Hernandez's voice came through their communicators. "This is as close to the real thing as we can get here on Earth. You'll be operating with minimal sound, limited visibility, and isolated communication. Remember, your tethers are your lifeline."
Elanor felt his pulse quicken as he began the task, his movements feeling slightly slower under the pressure of the suit and the silence around him. He reached for a handrail, securing himself before moving to the next panel. His training and instincts guided him, but he couldn't shake the feeling of awe at the simulation's authenticity.
Raya, on the other hand, seemed to struggle more with the suit's restrictions. She was moving cautiously, her breaths audible through the helmet as she adjusted her grip on the tools. It was clear that the confinement of the vacuum chamber was making her nervous, but she pushed through it, her determination evident.
"Raya, are you okay?" Elanor asked gently.
Raya took a deep breath before answering. "Yeah… just trying to get used to the suit. It's a little claustrophobic, but I'm okay."
"You're doing great. Just take it slow."
Raya managed to complete her task, though with a few slips along the way. As they exited the chamber, she looked visibly relieved, pulling off her helmet and running a hand through her hair.
"That was… intense," she admitted. "I feel like I have a new respect for every astronaut I've ever seen."
Elanor smiled, patting her shoulder. "You did great. This is exactly why we're here—so we know what to expect."
Dr. Hernandez approached, giving them both a curt nod. "Solid performance. We'll be reviewing the recordings later, but for now, let's move on to comms training."
Communication Protocols and Final Checks
By the fourth week, Elanor and Raya had come a long way from the initial awkwardness of their first Zero-G session. They had honed their skills in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, learned emergency protocols, and even completed basic simulated repairs. Now, it was time to fine-tune their communication skills—vital for anyone on the ISS.
Dr. Hernandez gathered them in the comms training room, a quiet space lined with consoles, screens, and headsets. She explained that effective communication was essential not only for safety but also for keeping operations running smoothly on the station.
"In space, clear and efficient communication is crucial," Dr. Hernandez began, her gaze steady. "On the ISS, you'll have a specific protocol for relaying information. You must be precise. There's no room for error, miscommunication, or excessive chatter."
Raya raised an eyebrow, looking slightly apprehensive. "So… no room for my usual rambling, then?"
Elanor chuckled, nudging her gently. "I think you'll do fine, Raya. Just pretend it's a photoshoot—you give clear instructions, stick to the essentials."
Raya gave him a playful glare. "I don't 'ramble' that much."
Dr. Hernandez allowed herself a brief smile before continuing. "Today's exercise will involve coordinating a repair operation using only audio communication. Elanor, you'll be in the control room, guiding Raya as she handles the simulated repair in the lab. Your instructions need to be clear and concise, as though you're in two separate modules."
Elanor took his position in the control room, adjusting the headset and familiarizing himself with the screens. Raya moved to the lab, where a simulated ISS panel was set up. Their task was to replicate a scenario where Elanor would guide her through securing a damaged component using only verbal instructions.
"Alright, Raya," Elanor's voice came through her headset. "Let's start with the panel on your left. Do you see the black latch?"
Raya squinted, focusing on the equipment. "Got it. What's next?"
"Good. Now, gently lift the latch—don't force it. Once it's open, you should see a set of connectors inside."
Raya followed his instructions, moving carefully. "Okay, I see them. Which one am I disconnecting?"
"The topmost connector," Elanor replied. "Then switch it with the spare on your right."
They worked through the exercise with steady precision, Elanor guiding her step-by-step. At times, Raya hesitated, her hands moving slowly as she listened, but she handled the task with confidence and focus. By the end of the session, they had successfully completed the repair, and Dr. Hernandez gave them both an approving nod.
"You're getting there," she remarked. "Coordination and clear instructions are critical. If you can communicate under pressure, you'll be a valuable asset on the ISS."
Final Evaluations: Passing with Flying Colors
The final days of training were a blur of evaluations, simulated emergencies, and rigorous reviews of their performance over the past month. Elanor and Raya were both physically exhausted, but the thrill of nearing the end of training and becoming certified for the ISS trip kept them motivated.
On the last day, they gathered in the briefing room for their final evaluation. Dr. Hernandez entered with a clipboard, her gaze as sharp and focused as ever.
"Congratulations on making it through the training program," she began. "You've both shown improvement and resilience, and I'm pleased to say you're now certified to board the ISS. However, there are still some final checks and briefings to complete."
Raya let out a quiet sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "We did it," she whispered to Elanor.
Elanor smiled, feeling a wave of pride and satisfaction. "We did."
Dr. Hernandez continued, detailing the next steps before their scheduled ISS mission. They would need to complete medical checks, equipment familiarization, and a final safety briefing before the flight.
"You'll be departing in two weeks," Dr. Hernandez explained. "In that time, I suggest reviewing your training logs and getting plenty of rest. You've earned it."
As they left the facility, the weight of the past month finally began to lift. The long hours, the physical strain, the moments of doubt—all of it had been worth it. They were now one step closer to the ISS, and as they walked out of the NASA complex, Elanor couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment he hadn't experienced in years.
Raya looked over at him, her face flushed with excitement and pride. "We're really doing this, aren't we?"
Elanor nodded, his gaze turning upward, where the stars were beginning to twinkle in the evening sky. "Yeah… we really are."
As they left, the future felt bright, like a pathway paved in stardust. And for the first time, they weren't just looking up at the stars—they were reaching for them.