Even the method of getting there is earily similar to some vipassana techniques, in particular Mahasi Sayadaw style noting.

From the article:

> Astronauts spend half a year in a mode of continuous self-monitoring — checking themselves, narrating their steps.

Mahasi style noting:

> When you look at the tap or water-pot on arriving at the place where you are to take a drink, be sure to make a mental note, looking, seeing.

> When you stop walking, stopping.

> When you stretch out the hand, stretching.

> When you touch the cup, touching.

> When you take the cup, taking.

> When dipping the cup into the water, dipping.

> When bringing the cup to the lips, bringing.

> When the cup touches the lips, touching.

> When you swallow, swallowing.

> When returning the cup, returning.

> When withdrawing the hand, withdrawing.

> When you bring down the hand, bringing.

> When the hand touches the side of the body, touching. If you intend to turn round, intending.

> When you turn round, turning.

> When you walk forward, walking.

> On arriving at the place where you intend to stop, intending.

> When you stop, stopping.[1]

Six months of noting during ones entire waking experience has certain similarities to being on retreat and doing nothing but the practice. It's remarkable that without any intentional cross pollination, astronauts seemingly arrived at the same place meditators do just by performing the same practices. I wonder if they experienced fruition events during their time in space.

1. Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw Practical Vipassana Exercises https://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/mahasit1.pdf