Administrator Bridenstine Chats with Astronauts on This Week @NASA – June 15, 2018

TL;DR

This week at NASA, astronauts Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei discuss their time on the International Space Station, a massive dust storm on Mars affects the Opportunity rover, and astronauts install high-definition cameras during a spacewalk outside the space station.

Transcript

Administrator Bridenstine chats with a couple of our astronauts … A massive dust storm on Mars … And astronauts at work outside the space station … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! During a recent visit to NASA headquarters our astronauts Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei sat down for an informal Q&A session with Administrator... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ The International Space Station has played a significant role in scientific research and technology development over the past 18 years.
• 🎁 The massive dust storm on Mars presents both challenges and opportunities for scientific study.
• ✋ Installing high-definition cameras during a spacewalk enhances the capabilities of upcoming commercial crew spacecraft launches.
• 👾 Peggy Whitson's retirement marks the end of an impressive career with multiple accomplishments in space.

Questions & Answers

Q: How long did it take for the astronauts to dock after launching?

The astronauts didn't specify the exact time, but they discussed the role of the International Space Station as a platform for humans to live and work in space for the past 18 years.

Q: How many experiments were conducted on the International Space Station?

During their time on the space station, there were approximately 284 experiments conducted, showcasing the incredible amount of scientific activity happening in space.

Q: How will the dust storm on Mars impact the Opportunity rover?

The dust storm has covered a large portion of the Martian surface and may affect the rover's operations. However, it also provides an opportunity for scientists to gather valuable data on the storm using multiple NASA spacecraft.

Q: What achievements did astronaut Peggy Whitson have during her time in space?

Peggy Whitson holds multiple records, including being the station's first NASA science officer, first female commander, and completing the most cumulative spacewalks by a female astronaut.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei talk about their experience on the International Space Station, highlighting the station's role in conducting cutting-edge research and technology development.

• A massive dust storm on Mars affects the Opportunity rover, providing an opportunity for scientific study with other NASA spacecraft.

• Astronauts Drew Feustel and Ricky Arnold install high-definition cameras during a spacewalk, setting the stage for upcoming commercial crew spacecraft launches from American soil.