Space Station Commander Discusses His One-Year Mission with News Media

TL;DR

Commander Scott Kelly talks about his experience on the International Space Station, including his most memorable moments and the challenges of living in microgravity.

Transcript

station this is Houston are you ready for the event I am ready for the event ABC this is Mission Control Houston please call station for a voice check station this is ABC how do you hear me I hear you loud and clear welcome aboard the space station thank you very much and Commander Scott Kelly joins us now from the International Space Station Comma... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚀 Commander Scott Kelly is the longest-serving US astronaut on the International Space Station.
• 🧑‍🚀 Spacewalks are significant and memorable events for astronauts, offering a unique perspective of the Earth and testing their skills and adaptability.
• 👨‍🚀 The space suit provides an enclosed environment for astronauts, protecting them from the vacuum of space and allowing them to perform tasks, but it has no particular smell.
• 😪 Sleeping in microgravity is challenging, as there is no change in body position and no traditional comforts like soft pillows and blankets.
• 👾 NASA's study of the Kelly twins aims to understand the effects of space travel on human physiology and systems, which will inform future missions to Mars.
• 👾 Commercial space travel is supported by Commander Kelly, as it enables more people to experience space and allows NASA to focus on exploring new frontiers.
• 😨 Commander Kelly notices pollution in certain regions when observing the Earth from space, highlighting the need to take care of the planet.

Questions & Answers

Q: What has been the most memorable experience for Commander Kelly during his time on the International Space Station?

Commander Kelly considers his spacewalks to be the most significant and memorable events. He had never done a spacewalk before this mission and found it challenging but rewarding.

Q: What is it like to touch something in space? Does it have any particular smell?

In the space suit, there is no particular smell. However, when returning from a spacewalk or exposing the vacuum of space to the interior of the space station, there is a distinct smell that Commander Kelly describes as similar to burning metal.

Q: How does Commander Kelly sleep in microgravity? Does it affect his comfort?

Commander Kelly doesn't sleep in the standard position with his arms crossed. He uses a sleeping bag with a hood and places his hands above his head. Sleeping in microgravity is not as comfortable as on Earth, as there is no change in body position, making it harder to sleep.

Q: What is the purpose of studying Commander Kelly and his twin brother Mark, who is on Earth?

NASA is studying the Kelly twins to understand the effects of long-duration space travel on human physiology and the systems required for future missions to Mars and beyond. This research will provide valuable insights into how the space environment affects astronauts on a genetic level.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Commander Scott Kelly is the longest-serving US astronaut on the International Space Station.

• He has been fortunate to experience many interesting things on the space station, such as performing spacewalks and observing the Earth from outside.

• Living in space brings challenges, such as sleeping in a different position and adjusting to the confined environment of the space suit.