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.
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.
