How space sticks in the minds of amateur astronauts – Axios

Coming back to Earth from orbit has been marked by a loss of anonymity, packed days and little time for reflection for the all-civilian Inspiration4 crew.

Why it matters: The astronauts' celebrity status is a sign amateur spacefaring hasn't arrived. The public still reveres those who take on the risks and rewards of space travel.

Catch up quick: The Inspiration4 crew Isaacman, Sian Proctor, Hayley Arceneaux and Chris Sembroski flew to orbit for their three-day mission in mid-September.

Between the lines: Even though the four crew members are back on Earth, their days are still dominated by their time in space.

Details: For the first week or so after coming home, some of the crew members had dreams they were still in space, and all four of them still feel bonded as a team.

The big picture: NASA astronauts and others have described being changed by their experiences flying to space for short and long missions.

What's next: Future private space explorers "will be different and look at the world differently coming back, but I don't necessarily know what we've experienced will be common amongst" future private astronauts, Isaacman says of their celebrity status.

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How space sticks in the minds of amateur astronauts - Axios