Space Station Crew Member Discusses Life in Space with Network Outlets | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronaut Peggy Whitson discusses her experience living on the International Space Station and the future of space exploration.

Key Insights

• 👨‍🚀 Peggy Whitson has spent more time in outer space than any other American astronaut, breaking records for the longest time spent in space.
• 🌇 Living on the International Space Station involves following a tight schedule, going around the Earth 16 times a day, and experiencing a sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes.
• 👾 Whitson's experiences in space have taught her a lot about teamwork, personal growth, and adaptability.
• 👨‍🚀 The ability to receive a phone call from the President while in space is a special moment for astronauts and NASA as a whole.
• 🥰 Whitson misses physical contact with loved ones and the freedom to cook her own food and engage in hobbies like gardening.
• 🌱 NASA is now collaborating with private companies like SpaceX and Orbital ATK to resupply cargo to the International Space Station, with plans to have crew supplies delivered by these companies in the future.
• 👾 Technology development and testing on the International Space Station are crucial for future missions to Mars and other deep space exploration.

Transcript

Station this is Houston are you ready for the event? Yes, I'm ready for the event. Fox and Friends this is Mission Control Houston please call station for voice check. This year astronaut Peggy Whitson breaking records for the longest time spent in outer space more than any American in NASA history and she's still there live from outer space joini... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a day like on the International Space Station?

A day on the International Space Station involves going around the Earth 16 times and experiencing a sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes. The crew follows a schedule, with activities planned during the daytime. The lack of windows does not disrupt their work.

Q: How did Peggy Whitson feel about receiving a phone call from the President?

Whitson considers it special to receive a phone call from the President, as it acknowledges the contributions of NASA. She feels honored to be recognized for her accomplishments onboard the International Space Station.

Q: What has Whitson learned about herself during her time in space?

Whitson has learned a lot about herself and how to live and work in teams. Each crew mix brings a different dynamic, and she strives to improve interactions and productivity. Living in space requires continuous personal growth and adaptation.

Q: What does Whitson miss the most about life on Earth?

Whitson misses physical contact with friends and family. While they can communicate through IP phones and emails, being able to hug loved ones is something she longs for. Additionally, she misses the freedom to cook her own food and be involved in gardening.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Peggy Whitson explains that a day on the International Space Station includes seeing a sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes while going around the Earth 16 times a day.

• She shares her excitement over being acknowledged by the President and talks about what it's like to receive a phone call from space.

• Whitson discusses what she has learned about herself during her time in space and mentions the challenges of not being able to cook her own food or have physical contact with loved ones.