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الوسم: astronaut

  • How To Watch SpaceX Crew-11 Launch To The ISS

    How To Watch SpaceX Crew-11 Launch To The ISS

    SpaceX and NASA are finalizing preparations for the upcoming crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

    On July 31, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov will launch toward the space station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which will be deployed by a Falcon 9 rocket.

    This mission marks Cardman’s and Platonov’s first spaceflights, Yui’s second, and Fincke’s fourth journey into space.

    This will be the 11th crew rotation mission operated by SpaceX’s human space transportation system, and its 12th crewed flight—including the Demo-2 test—to the ISS, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

    The crew is expected to stay on the station for at least six months, engaging in various scientific experiments and potentially conducting spacewalks outside the orbital facility.

    A launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is scheduled for approximately 12:09 p.m. ET on July 31. Preparatory activities and the launch itself will be broadcast live starting several hours before liftoff.

    Viewers can follow the launch on the video feed available at the top of this page, as well as on SpaceX’s official X account and NASA’s live stream platform.

    Weather conditions or technical issues could lead to a postponement, and updates will be provided through SpaceX and NASA’s social media channels.

    If you tune in early, you’ll witness the astronauts arriving at the launchpad and boarding the Crew Dragon spacecraft atop the Falcon 9 rocket.

    Multiple cameras positioned around the launch site will track the rocket’s ascent, while inside the capsule, onboard cameras will capture the astronauts preparing for launch. Live commentary will explain each step, accompanied by real-time audio communication between Mission Control and the crew inside the spacecraft.

  • Astronaut Creates An Out-Of-This-World Burger

    Astronaut Creates An Out-Of-This-World Burger

    You may find it challenging to create a meal from random pantry items, but consider how much more difficult that task becomes in space. Recently, a NASA astronaut displayed his cooking skills by sharing a recipe for a makeshift “ranger burger” made with what he had on the International Space Station (ISS).

    Astronaut Jonny Kim, who has been aboard the ISS for several weeks, used his resourcefulness, honed from his time as a Navy SEAL, to satisfy his burger cravings. He likened his process to the creativity many service members exhibit when faced with less-than-appetizing Meals Ready to Eat (MRE).

    “If you’ve done your time with MREs, you know how to whip up some creative dishes,” Kim shared on social media. “Here’s a twist on my favored ranger burger: I used beef steak, wheat snack bread, cheese spread for topping and as an adhesive, layered potatoes au gratin in the middle, and topped it all off with a generous amount of gochujang red pepper paste from a care package on the SpaceX Cargo Dragon.”

    Jonny Kim's space burger.
    Jonny Kim’s space burger. NASA / Jonny Kim

    Kim also posted a picture of himself savoring his creation, giving a shoutout to the ever-popular gochujang, a Korean chili paste that has gained international popularity. Astronauts often find pre-packaged space food bland, and due to changes in taste perception during space travel, flavorful condiments and spicy sauces have become essential and highly sought-after items. Staples like ketchup and Tabasco, alongside gochujang, are favorites among the crew.

    Ensuring that astronauts have tasty food is no small feat and has been a significant focus of research over the years. In the early days of space travel, meals were often described as nearly inedible; an infamous incident involving a smuggled corned beef sandwich caused a stir between NASA and Congress during the 1960s.

    Today, the priority is to provide astronauts with fresh food whenever feasible and to include delightful treats like fresh fruit, cheese, and gummy candies in resupply missions. It’s believed that enjoyable meals can support astronauts’ physical and mental health.

    As for Kim, he acknowledged missing certain aspects of life on Earth but mentioned that his improvised burger still hits the spot: “I long for cooking for my family, but this satisfies my cravings in its own unique way.”

  • New ISS Astronaut Encounters Bumble, Honey, And Queen Robots

    New ISS Astronaut Encounters Bumble, Honey, And Queen Robots

    During her inaugural mission to space, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers has met three robots stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

    “We hit the ground running (or floating??) here on the space station,” Ayers, who arrived at the ISS a little over a week ago, shared on X. “Along with gathering data for one of the research studies, I assisted in loading some software onto the Astrobees. This is Bumble!”

    We hit the ground running (or floating??) here on @Space_Station! In addition to data collection for one of the studies, I got to help load some software onto the Astrobees. This is Bumble!

    These robots are a technology demonstration meant to assist astronauts with routine tasks… pic.twitter.com/RBTQPkphyx

    — Nichole “Vapor” Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) March 24, 2025

    As Ayers explained, the Astrobee robots are part of a technology demonstration designed to aid ISS astronauts with everyday tasks. These tasks include inventory management, documenting experiments, and moving cargo, allowing astronauts to focus on responsibilities that require a human touch.

    The compact, cube-shaped flying robots were developed at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley and were sent to the ISS in 2019.

    Anne McClain with an Astrobee robot.
    NASA astronaut Anne McClain unpacked the first Astrobee robot — Bumble — on the ISS in 2019. NASA

    The Astrobee robots are equipped with various cameras and sensors for navigation, along with a touchscreen, speaker, and microphone. They even house a mechanical arm that can be fitted with different tools.

    Rather than drifting aimlessly, these robots utilize a fan propulsion system to move in designated directions. Their onboard battery powers both the fans and other components, and when the battery runs low, the robot autonomously navigates to a docking station to recharge.

    According to NASA, “Robots will play a crucial role in the agency’s mission to return to the moon and other deep space explorations. Tools like Astrobee have the potential to become caretakers for future spacecraft, maintaining systems and ensuring smooth operations while the crew is away.”

    One of the ISS’s most recognized robotic tools is the Canadarm2, a 17.6-meter-long robotic arm that has been attached to the exterior of the ISS since 2001. It performs essential tasks such as moving supplies, equipment, and supporting astronauts during spacewalks. Earlier this year, NASA released footage of astronaut Suni Williams using the Canadarm2 during a spacewalk 250 miles above London.

  • Astronaut’s Stunning Photo Perfect For An Art Gallery

    Astronaut’s Stunning Photo Perfect For An Art Gallery

    A star trail captured from the ISS.
    Don Pettit/NASA

    As he neared the end of a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronaut Don Pettit shared a captivating photograph that could easily grace the walls of an art exhibit.

    This stunning image, captured from a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS, showcases mesmerizing star trails alongside the twinkling lights of cities viewed from approximately 250 miles above the Earth.

    Star trail from Crew 9 Dragon vehicle. Thanks to Babak Tafreshi for the image processing. pic.twitter.com/X6w462Wdtz

    — Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) March 11, 2025

    Throughout his latest mission, Pettit has delighted his followers with a series of breathtaking star trail images, but this particular photograph stands out among his extraordinary collection.

    At 69 years old, Pettit is NASA’s oldest active astronaut. Over the course of his four missions, he has honed his skills as a space photographer, regularly sharing his incredible imagery on social media.

    A few months back, he took a moment to engage with people on Earth about his passion for photography, which includes everything from star trails to stunning shots of a Crew Dragon spacecraft approaching Earth, vivid views of the Amazon rainforest, and awe-inspiring captures of auroras.

    Recently, he also managed to document the dramatic moment when SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft disintegrated during its eighth flight test—making history with this powerful rocket.

    “Images from space help tell a story for those on Earth who may never have the chance to go to space,” Pettit expressed when discussing his photography. He noted that while every photograph serves as a unique record of his experiences, “they also illustrate what it means for humanity to venture into the cosmos and explore new frontiers.”

  • NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Discusses Space Station Photography

    NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Discusses Space Station Photography

    NASA Astronaut Talks Photography in Space with NASASPACEFLIGHT.COM

    Nasa astronaut Don Pettit arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in September for his fourth orbital mission over the span of 22 years. While he is engaged in a variety of scientific projects aboard the space laboratory, Pettit is also an avid photographer. He frequently showcases his impressive images, capturing scenes of rivers, clouds, star trails, and fast-moving spacecraft on platforms like X and Instagram.

    At 69, Pettit is NASA’s oldest active astronaut, and he recently took some time from his packed schedule to talk about his passion for photography.

    “Images from space help convey the experience to those on Earth who may never have the chance to venture into orbit,” Pettit explained. He believes that alongside the vivid memories of his journeys, these photographs contribute to understanding what it means for humanity to explore and inhabit space.

    He also shared his recent photos capturing the reflection of sunlight off Starlink satellites, which he described as appearing like “cosmic fireflies.” It took him some time to figure out where the flashes were emanating from before he chose to document the spectacle.

    Pettit remarked on how advancements in camera technology on the ISS have improved his photography and emphasized how social media platforms like X and Instagram make it significantly easier for him to share his work compared to his first missions in the early 2000s.

    NASA astronaut Don Pettit discussing his photography from aboard the ISS.
    NASA astronaut Don Pettit discussing his photography from aboard the ISS. NASA

    On how microgravity enhances his photography, Pettit displayed a hefty 800mm telephoto lens he described as “a joy” to work with, explaining that in the absence of gravity, it feels nearly weightless. “We can accomplish many things up here that would make countless photographers envious, especially when they are struggling with heavy gear,” he noted.

    The astronaut also discussed capturing images from the ISS’s Cupola module, which features seven windows, and unveiled his invention, the barn door tracker. This tool allows him to take clearer pictures of city lights by compensating for the station’s movement relative to Earth.

    Regarding an impressive photo he took of SpaceX’s Starship rocket during its sixth test flight from Texas last month, Pettit attributed the successful capture to “sheer luck,” as he was at the perfect location at the right moment. He noted that a 20-minute delay in the launch would have prevented him from witnessing the event at all.

    Once he realized the ISS would be passing over the SpaceX launch site, it became a matter of effectively using his photography gear: choosing the right lens, shutter speed, and ISO settings. He also acknowledged fellow NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who assisted him by spotting the launch while he set up his camera.

    For a more in-depth look at Pettit’s extraordinary photographic journey aboard the ISS, be sure to catch the full 20-minute interview in the video above.