Can Astronauts have tattoos?
Can Astronauts have tattoos?
Are tattoos allowed for aspiring or current NASA astronauts? While there are numerous requirements to become an astronaut, having tattoos is not explicitly prohibited by NASA rules, guidelines, or requirements. However, it is customary for astronauts to conceal their tattoos while on duty as part of their professional demeanor. Here's what you need to know about tattoos and astronauts.
Historically astronauts had tattoos for medical purposes.
Starting from the Mercury era, astronauts were wired by flight surgeons to collect biomedical data during spaceflight, with the aim of studying the effects of space travel on the human body. The sensors were used to measure vital signs such as body core temperature, respiration rate, and heart electrical activity. To ensure the accuracy of the data collected, the astronauts received small tattoos in the form of tiny dots that marked the precise locations for sensor placement. In his memoirs, John Glenn recounted how flight surgeon Bill Douglas used a scalpel to create the dots and applied India ink from someone's desk to create the tattoos before Glenn's Friendship 7 mission. These tattoos remained visible on his body for the rest of his life. Most astronauts similarly received such tattoos on their torsos.
Most of the Apollo crew had tattoos.
Over the years, there have been several NASA astronauts with tattoos. One example is Charles Conrad, who commanded the Apollo XII mission and had a tattoo on his left arm. This indicates that having tattoos was not prohibited by NASA rules as far back as 1962 when Conrad joined NASA. In addition, current NASA employees have confirmed on Reddit that having tattoos or piercings is not a concern.
Most astronauts originally came from a military background. Tattoos linked to their regiment were a common practise.
