Station Commander Spends Time with Students at the Museum

TL;DR

Commander Scott Kelly shares his experience and responsibilities as an astronaut on the International Space Station.

Transcript

station this is Houston are you ready for the event I am ready for the event Boston M Boston Museum of Science this is Mission Control Houston please call station for a voice check station this is Museum of Science Boston how do you hear me I hear you loud and clear welcome aboard the space station all right Commander Kelly we are so excited to tal... Read More

Key Insights

• 😘 Astronauts on the ISS share responsibilities, maintain systems, conduct experiments, and act as scientific subjects for human research.
• 🧑‍✈️ Commander Kelly's journey to becoming an astronaut involved being a pilot and test pilot in the Navy.
• 🌠 The shooting incident and the Columbia tragedy were challenging experiences for Commander Kelly.
• 👾 The unique perspective of seeing Earth from space brings awareness of global events and a sense of detachment.
• 🧑‍🚀 The ISS program promotes cultural diversity, and there are no culture clashes among astronauts.
• 👾 While there are challenges in space, such as the absence of showers and adapting to microgravity, the experience is fulfilling and rewarding.
• 👀 Astronauts have limited downtime and engage in activities like taking pictures, watching movies, or communicating with people on Earth.
• 🛟 Commander Kelly believes there is a high probability of life existing outside our solar system due to the vast number of stars and potentially habitable planets. However, he doesn't believe extraterrestrial life has visited Earth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the primary responsibilities of astronauts on the International Space Station?

Astronauts on the ISS are responsible for maintaining and repairing systems, conducting scientific experiments, and ensuring crew safety. They act as eyes, ears, and arms for scientists on the ground.

Q: Did you always dream of becoming an astronaut?

While I had thought about it as a child, it wasn't until later in life that I realized it could be a possibility. Becoming a pilot and test pilot in the Navy helped me become competitive for the astronaut program.

Q: What was the most challenging experience you faced as an astronaut?

The shooting incident involving my sister-in-law and the loss of my classmates in the Columbia tragedy were the most difficult times for me as an astronaut.

Q: What goals do you want to accomplish in space?

Commander Kelly aims to successfully complete the 400 scientific experiments on the space station and ensure crew safety. He also wants to leave the station in better condition than when he arrived.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Commander Kelly discusses the responsibilities of maintaining and repairing systems on the space station, conducting scientific experiments, and ensuring the overall safety of the crew.

• He shares his journey of becoming an astronaut and the challenges he has faced, including the shooting incident involving his sister-in-law and the loss of colleagues in the Columbia tragedy.

• Commander Kelly talks about his personal goals in space, the unique perspective of seeing Earth from the ISS, and the absence of culture clashes among astronauts from different countries.