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From: @S1-A.ARPA,@MIT-MC:TENCATI@JPL-VLSI.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: Swimming in Space
Message-ID: <1667@mordor.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 4-May-85 13:22:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: mordor.1667
Posted: Sat May  4 13:22:46 1985
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From: Ron Tencati <TENCATI@JPL-VLSI.ARPA>


I guess I forgot to mention that Cooper's book "A House in Space" was a 
documentary on the Skylab missions. It was not a science fiction novel.

I read the book several years ago, but it is still on my bookshelf.  As I
recall the hapless astronaut was not stuck with velocity=0, but he was
in the middle of the room, drifting VERY slowly, and he was unable to 
affect his velocity or course. He then repeated the experiment with a
little more velocity.

Flapping one's shirt or trunks will may work in the shuttle where there is
an atmosphere and wind can be generated. In the vacuum of space, however, 
nothing will induce velocity unless the astronaut puctures his/her space
suit and causes some kind of thrust.

Henry Cooper only gave this topic about 1 page in his book, so I shouldn't
take up more room than that.  I can dig up the book and provide the name of
the astronaut, who can then be contacted for the "real scoop"...
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