The “Homestretch” of the One Year Mission Aboard the Space Station

TL;DR

Astronauts Scott and Mikhail share their experiences of living in space, including the challenges, the sense of accomplishment, and the importance of taking care of Earth.

Transcript

station this is bbc world service radio how do you hear me we hear you loud and clear welcome aboard the space station thank you very much indeed it is very exciting to hear from you and and scott thank you for coming back on the program we have so many questions from outlook listeners so i'll plunge straight in you've been there for more than nine... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Living in space for a long time can make one appreciate the value of time and the challenges of a confined space.
• 👾 The space station is a busy place with numerous science experiments being conducted simultaneously.
• 🧑‍🚀 Astronauts miss the freedom to choose activities and the companionship of friends and family.
• 😨 The experience of being in space can change perspectives on Earth and highlight the need to take care of our planet.
• 😚 Scott and Mikhail have a close-knit crew and feel comfortable working together without any irritating habits.
• 👾 The senses, particularly vision and smell, can be affected in space due to changes in the body's fluid balance.
• 👨‍🚀 Astronauts can experience new and unexpected smells, such as the forest or specific condiments, while in space.

Questions & Answers

Q: What surprised Scott and Mikhail the most about living in the space station?

Scott was surprised by how long a year in space actually is, while Mikhail was ready for the year-long experience.

Q: Do astronauts get bored in space?

No, Scott mentions that there is a lot of work to do, and he often doesn't have enough free time for personal activities.

Q: What do astronauts miss the most about Earth?

Scott misses people, especially friends and family, and the freedom to go outside and experience nature. Mikhail misses many things, including water, running water, grass, forests, family, friends, and home.

Q: What will Scott and Mikhail miss the most when they come back to Earth?

Scott will miss the pride and sense of accomplishment that comes with challenging tasks. Mikhail will miss the sense of camaraderie within the crew and likened it to the feeling mountaineers have when they want to return to the mountains.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts Scott and Mikhail have been living in the space station for over nine months and have about two months left.

• They find the experience challenging but not boring, with over 400 science experiments keeping them busy.

• Scott misses people and the freedom to choose activities, while Mikhail misses the Earth and the feeling of home.