German astronauts have been part of various space missions, including those with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Notable German astronauts include Thomas Reiter, who spent time on both the Mir space station and the International Space Station (ISS). Alexander Gerst is another well-known German astronaut who has completed multiple missions to the ISS. Germany's involvement in space exploration continues to grow, with more astronauts expected to participate in future missions. **

The Challenger astronauts were the seven crew members who tragically lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. The crew included Francis R. Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. The Challenger disaster occurred when the shuttle broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, leading to the deaths of all crew members on board. The tragedy had a profound impact on the space program and led to significant changes in the safety protocols and decision-making processes for future space missions. **

Astronauts are trained professionals who travel to space to conduct scientific research, perform maintenance on spacecraft and space stations, and participate in experiments to study the effects of space on the human body. They also conduct spacewalks to repair and upgrade equipment, as well as to test new technologies. Astronauts work closely with ground control teams to ensure the success of their missions and to communicate their findings back to Earth. **

Yes, there have been criminal astronauts. For example, in 2007, astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping, burglary, and battery after she drove from Houston to Orlando to confront a romantic rival. Additionally, in 2018, astronaut Anne McClain was accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged spouse's bank account from the International Space Station. These cases demonstrate that even astronauts, who are highly trained and respected individuals, are not immune to criminal behavior. **

Yes, Serbians can become astronauts. There are no restrictions based on nationality for individuals to become astronauts. As long as a Serbian meets the qualifications and requirements set by a space agency, such as NASA or the European Space Agency, they can pursue a career in space exploration. In fact, there have been Serbian astronauts who have participated in space missions in the past. **

The age limit for astronauts is regulated in the contract through specific requirements and criteria set by the space agency or organization. These requirements may include a maximum age limit for applicants, typically based on the physical and mental demands of space travel. The contract may also outline the necessary qualifications and experience for potential astronauts, which can impact the age limit. Additionally, the contract may include provisions for exceptions to the age limit based on individual circumstances or qualifications. **

Yes, astronauts can communicate in space. They use a variety of communication methods such as radio waves, satellites, and antennas to stay in touch with mission control on Earth and with each other. Communication is essential for coordinating tasks, sharing information, and ensuring the safety of the crew while in space. **

Astronauts don't see stars when they are in space because the brightness of the sun and the reflection of light off of the Earth's atmosphere and their spacecraft overwhelms the light from the stars. The human eye adjusts to the bright light and makes it difficult to see the relatively dim light from the stars. Additionally, the cameras used to capture images in space are often set to expose for the bright objects in the scene, further reducing the visibility of stars in the background. **