Space agencies are highly protective of their public image, which creates an environment where employees and contractors may prefer to decline interviews or requests for information rather than risk how their words may be portrayed. This approach underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to write about the space exploration narrative from a more personal perspective.
Fortunately, there are individuals within these organizations dedicated to the human aspects of space travel who understand the importance of unconventional media coverage. Their openness, humor, and willingness to share insights are deeply appreciated, as they contribute significantly to a more enriched narrative surrounding life in space, as highlighted in Mary Roach's "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void."