All eyes were particularly on both first ladies, fashionistas whose wardrobe choices have complemented each other at previous public events and who seem to genuinely get along with each other.

FORBES: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's Outside Passions

One particularly important task, Kanas explained, will be picking a team of astronauts who can both work and get along with each other on a trip lasting at least two years, spent mostly within the confines of a not-so-big spacecraft sailing through the dark.

CNN: Mars on the brain? Red Planet pioneers to face cosmic mind trip

Because here are the two major powers of East Asia who get along, if you like, economically, and are interdependent economically, and yet they have no way of dealing with each other from a long-term strategic point of view.

NPR: Controversy Over Shrine Visit Ripples Across Pacific

Friends who have known each other for decades, or siblings who get along well and are comfortable spending long periods of time with one another, would also be suitable for this sort of situation, said Jason Kring, assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who is not involved with the mission.

CNN: 501 days in space with your spouse: Could you handle it?