10/27/2025
The âcat righting reflexâ method (works in space!):
Astronauts and cats use this instinctively.
1. Tuck one arm and extend the other, then rotate your torso in a circle (like a hula hoop motion).
2. While rotating, pull the extended arm in and push the tucked arm out.
3. Repeat in cycles.
This is called âasymmetric inertia tensor manipulationââyouâre changing your moment of inertia differently in different axes, allowing net rotation without external torque.
Can you translate at all? Only with mass ejection:
The only way to move your COM without touching anything is to expel mass in one direction:
⢠Exhale forcefully and hold your breath â tiny air molecules leave your mouth â you drift slightly opposite.
⢠Spit, sneeze, throw a small object (e.g., a coin, a sock) â you move opposite to the thrown mass.
⢠Urinate or defecate (extreme, but physically valid) â strongest internal propulsion.
Best bet: Use the cat rotation to turn toward a wall or object, then throw something (even a shoelace) to drift slowly toward it.