Space Station Crew Member Discusses Life in Space with Iowa Media

TL;DR

Astronaut Peggy Whitson talks about her Christmas and New Year's plans in space, including a special meal, decorating cookies, and exchanging gifts with the crew.

Transcript

station this is Houston are you ready for the event station radio Iowa this is Mission Control Houston please call station for a voice check station this is Matt Kelly with radio Iowa do you hear me I have you loud and clear Matt it's good to hear your voice you too Peggy it's always a pleasure thanks much for taking the time one of the ways that m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌱 The crew plans a special meal for Christmas with different members responsible for different dishes.
• 😅 They will decorate Christmas cookies and have hot cocoa in space.
• 😮 Surprises are planned as Christmas gifts for each other, brought by Peggy Whitson in her crew preference bag.
• 👾 Seeing the entire planet from space provides a unique perspective that emphasizes unity and peace.
• 🍾 New Year's Eve in space does not involve champagne corks but may include reflections or resolutions.
• 👾 The crew of six does not feel crowded due to increased internal volume on the space station.
• 👾 Peggy Whitson commends her crewmates for being wonderful to work with in the confined space.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are Peggy Whitson and her crew celebrating Christmas in space?

Peggy Whitson and her crew are planning a meal with different members responsible for different dishes. They will also decorate Christmas cookies and have hot cocoa.

Q: Do the astronauts exchange Christmas gifts with each other?

Yes, the crew has surprises planned for each other as Christmas gifts, although they do not know what they are yet. Peggy Whitson brought some gifts with her in her crew preference bag.

Q: How does Peggy Whitson describe the perspective of seeing the entire planet from space?

Peggy Whitson describes the perspective as special and emphasizes that it reinforces the sense that there are no boundaries between people. It highlights the importance of unity and peace.

Q: What are Peggy Whitson's plans for New Year's Eve in space?

Peggy Whitson mentions that they won't be popping champagne corks, and she is unsure if they will make any New Year's resolutions. She jokes about being concerned about gaining or losing weight.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Peggy Whitson and her crew have a meal planned for Christmas, with each member responsible for a different dish. They will also decorate cookies and have hot cocoa.

• The crew has surprises planned for each other as Christmas gifts, although they do not yet know what they are.

• Whitson reflects on the unique perspective of seeing the entire planet from space, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace.