Curious about how to send research to the International Space Station or how to get involved with NASA missions as a college student? Ask our experts!
Through our Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science, or SPOCS, we’re funding five college teams to build experiments for the International Space Station. The students are currently building their experiments focusing on bacteria resistance or sustainability research. Soon, these experiments will head to space on a SpaceX cargo launch! University of Idaho SPOCS team lead Hannah Johnson and NASA STEM on Station activity manager Becky Kamas will be taking your questions in an Answer Time session on Thurs., June 3, from 12-1 p.m. EDT here on our Tumblr! Make sure to ask your question now by visiting http://nasa.tumblr.com/ask.
Hannah Johnson recently graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She is the team lead for the university’s SPOCS team, Vandal Voyagers I, designing an experiment to test bacteria-resistant polymers in microgravity. Becky Kamas is the activity manager for STEM on Station at our Johnson Space Center in Houston. She helps connect students and educators to the International Space Station through a variety of opportunities, similar to the ones that sparked her interest in working for NASA when she was a high school student.
Our scientists and engineers work with SPOCS students as mentors, and mission managers from Nanoracks help them prepare their experiments for operation aboard the space station.
The Vandal Voyagers I team has nine student members, six of whom just graduated from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Designing the experiment served as a senior capstone project.
The experiment tests polymer coatings on an aluminum 6061 substrate used for handles on the space station. These handles are used every day by astronauts to move throughout the space station and to hold themselves in place with their feet while they work.
Michael S. Hopkins was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2009. The Missouri native is currently the Crew-1 mission commander for NASA’s next SpaceX launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 14, 2020. Hopkin’s Crew-1 mission will mark the first-ever crew rotation flight of aU.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts on board, and it secures the U.S.’s ability to launch humans into space from American soil once again.
Previously, Hopkins was member of the Expedition 37/38 crew and has logged 166 days in space. During his stay aboard the station, he conducted two spacewalks totaling 12 hours and 58 minutes to change out a degraded pump module. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
He took some time from being a NASA astronaut to answer questions about his life and career! Enjoy:
What do you hope people think about when
you launch?
I hope people are thinking about the fact that we’re
starting a new era in human spaceflight. We’re re-opening human launch
capability to U.S. soil again, but it’s not just that. We’re opening low-Earth
orbit and the International Space Station with commercial companies. It’s a lot
different than what we’ve done in the past. I hope people realize this isn’t
just another launch – this is something a lot bigger. Hopefully it’s setting
the stage, one of those first steps to getting us to the Moon and on to Mars.
You served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight
test engineer. What does that entail?
First off, just like being an astronaut, it involves a lot of training when you
first get started. I went to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and spent a
year in training and just learning how to be a flight test engineer. It was one
of the most challenging years I’ve ever had, but also one of the more rewarding
years. What it means afterwards is, you are basically testing new vehicles or
new systems that are going on aircraft. You are testing them before they get
handed over to the operational fleet and squadrons. You want to make sure that
these capabilities are safe, and that they meet requirements. As a flight test
engineer, I would help design the test. I would then get the opportunity to go
and fly and execute the test and collect the data, then do the analysis, then
write the final reports and give those conclusions on whether this particular
vehicle or system was ready to go.
What is one piece of life advice you wish
somebody had told you when you were younger?
A common theme for me is to just have patience. Enjoy the ride along the way. I
think I tend to be pretty high intensity on things and looking back, I think
things happen when they’re supposed to happen, and sometimes that doesn’t
necessarily agree with when you think it should happen. So for me, someone
saying, “Just be patient Mike, it’s all going to happen when it’s supposed to,”
would be really good advice.
Is there a particular science experiment you enjoyed
working on the most while aboard the space station?
There’s a lot of experiments I had the opportunity to participate in, but
the ones in particular I liked were ones where I got to interact directly with
the folks that designed the experiment. One thing I enjoyed was a fluid
experiment called Capillary Flow Experiment, or CFE. I got to work directly
with the principal investigators on the ground as I executed that experiment.
What made it nice was getting to hear their excitement as you were letting them
know what was happening in real time and getting to hear their voices as they
got excited about the results. It’s just a lot of fun.
Space is a risky business. Why do it?
I think most of us when we think about whatever it is we do, we don’t think
of it in those terms. Space is risky, yes, but there’s a lot of other risky
jobs out there. Whether it’s in the military, farming, jobs that involve heavy
machinery or dangerous equipment… there’s all kinds of jobs that entail risk. Why
do it? You do it because it appeals to you. You do it because it’s what gets
you excited. It just feels right. We all have to go through a point in our
lives where we figure out what we want to do and what we want to be. Sometimes
we have to make decisions based on factors that maybe wouldn’t lead you down
that choice if you had everything that you wanted, but in this particular case
for me, it’s exactly where I want to be. From a risk standpoint, I don’t think
of it in those terms.
Can you describe your crew mate Soichi Noguchi in one
sentence?
There are many facets to Soichi Noguchi. I’m thinking about the movie Shrek.
He has many layers! He’s very talented. He’s very well-thought. He’s very
funny. He’s very caring. He’s very sensitive to other people’s needs and
desires. He’s a dedicated family man. I could go on and on and on… so maybe like
an onion – full of layers!
Star Trek or Star Wars?
I love them both. But can I say Firefly? There’s a TV series out
there called Firefly. It lasted one season – kind of a space cowboy-type show.
They did have a movie, Serenity, that was made as well. But anyway, I
love both Star Wars and Star Trek. We’ve really enjoyed The Mandalorian.
I mean who doesn’t love Baby Yoda right? It’s all fun.
How many times did you apply to be an astronaut? Did
you learn anything on your last attempt?
I tried four times over the course of 13 years.My first three attempts, I
didn’t even have references checked or interviews or anything. Remember what we
talked about earlier, about patience? For my fourth attempt, the fact is, it
happened when it was supposed to happen. I didn’t realize it at the time. I
would have loved to have been picked on my first attempt like anybody would
think, but at the same time, because I didn’t get picked right away, my family
had some amazing experiences throughout my Air Force career. That includes
living in Canada, living overseas in Italy, and having an opportunity to work
at the Pentagon. All of those helped shape me and grow my experience in ways
that I think helped me be a better astronaut.
Can you share your favorite photo or video that you
took in space?
One of my favorite pictures was a picture inside the station at night when
all of the lights were out. You can see the glow of all of the little LEDs and
computers and things that stay on even when you turn off the overhead lights.
You see this glow on station. It’s really one of my favorite times because the
picture doesn’t capture it all. I wish you could hear it as well. I like to
think of the station in some sense as being alive. It’s at that time of night
when everybody else is in their crew quarters in bed and the lights are out
that you feel it. You feel the rhythm, you feel the heartbeat of the station,
you see it in the glow of those lights – that heartbeat is what’s keeping you
alive while you’re up there. That picture goes a small way of trying to capture
that, but I think it’s a special time from up there.
What personal items did you decide to pack
for launch and why?
My wedding bands. I’m also taking up pilot wings
for my son. He wants to be a pilot so if he succeeds with that, I’ll be able to
give him his pilot wings. Last time, I took one of the Purple Hearts of a very
close friend. He was a Marine in World War II who earned it after his service
in the Pacific.
Thank you for your time, Mike, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Mike and his Crew-1 crew mates Victor Glover, Soichi Noguchi, and Shannon Walker in the video above.
Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE.
Soichi Noguchi was selected as an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 1996. A native of Yokohama, Kanagawa, he is currently a mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 launch taking flight to the International Space Station on Nov. 14. Soichi will be the first international crewmember on Crew Dragon and the first international partner astronaut to fly aboard three types of orbital spacecraft – the U.S. space shuttle, the Russian Soyuz, and now the SpaceX Crew Dragon! Talk about impressive.
He received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1989, master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1991, Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020, all from the University of Tokyo.
Soichi took time from preparing for his historic mission to answer questions about his life and career:
You recently earned a doctorate in philosophy.
What made you do it?
After my second flight, I started this research
about your sensory system in zero gravity. I used a my own personal video,
which I took during my last two flights at the International Space Station. I
had a lot of interesting discussions amongst young professionals and students
at the University of Tokyo about the research. It was a fun experience – but I
would not do it again!
Space is a risky business. Why do it?
Space IS definitely a risky business. But the
reward is higher than the risk so that’s why we take it.
Do you have a message for boys and girls in Japan
who are interested in science and engineering?
Three words: Space. Is. Waiting.
Aside from mission objectives and tasks, what’s a
personal goal for this mission?
We have a lot of interesting missions to do, but my personal goal is to return
home with lots of fun stories.
What was it like to get the phone call to become
an astronaut?
It was 25 years ago, but I still remember the voice vividly. I got a call from
Dr. Mamoru Mohri, the very first JAXA astronaut, and he said “Welcome to the
Astronaut Corps.” When I got the call to be part of the Crew-1 mission, I was a
lot less nervous than when I was assigned to my first mission, but the
excitement remains the same.
Can you describe your crew mate Mike Hopkins in
one sentence?
He is a natural leader that takes care of the team really well, and he’s fun to
play around with.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Wars… just because!
Can you share
your favorite photo or video that you took in space?
My favorite photo is Mount Fuji because I see the mountain almost every day
when I was a child. It’s definitely breathtaking to see Mount Fuji from space.
What personal
items did you decide to pack for launch and why?
I have lots of family photos, and I would put it inside my sleep station.
Definitely one of the most challenging things about spaceflight is not experiencing
zero gravity, not the rocket, but time away from family.
How would you
describe spacewalking outside the space station?
It’s an excursion. The view of the Earth is just breathtaking because you are
just one glass away from the vacuum of space. There’s nothing between you and
Earth.
What are you
most excited about for the future of human space exploration?
I would say I’m most excited for interplanetary travel to become more common so
that the school kids can go to Mars on their field trip.
What would you say to someone looking to follow in
your footsteps?
Don’t worry, be happy!
How has spaceflight evolved since your first launch
and stay aboard the International Space Station in 2005?
This is definitely an exciting moment. We’re starting to see more players in
the game. SpaceX is the frontrunner, but soon we’ll see Boeing, Sierra Nevada
and Axiom. So the International Space Station will soon have more players
involved, and it will be a lot more fun!
Thank you for your time, Soichi, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Soichi and his NASA astronaut crew mates Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins, and Shannon Walker in the video above.
Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE.
Dr. Jonny Kim was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for mission assignments to the International Space Station, the Moon and eventually Mars. A U.S. Navy SEAL, Kim completed more than 100 combat operations. Kim was commissioned as a naval officer through an enlisted-to-officer program and earned his degree in mathematics at the University of San Diego and a doctorate of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California to Korean-American immigrants, he enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor activities, academic and professional mentoring, strength training and lifelong learning.
Dr. Kim took some time from his job as a NASA astronaut to answer questions about his life and career! Enjoy:
Why did you apply to be an astronaut?
For many reasons. I think that humans are natural explorers. There is a calling in all of us to explore the unknown, push the boundaries and redefine what is possible. I’m drawn to the physical and mental challenges of space exploration and the teamwork required to complete such an objective. And finally, the opportunity to do something good for our country, for humanity, and to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, explorers and scientists.
What was your favorite memory from astronaut training?
I’m a big believer that people can grow stronger bonds with each other when they succeed through shared hardship. And I think that developing relationships with one another is one of the best ways to forge successful team skills to be successful in any endeavor. With that context, I can tell you that my favorite memory from astronaut training was traversing the deep canyon slots of the Utah Canyon Lands for almost 2 weeks with my classmates. We hiked trails, climbed canyons, swam through deep, dark, cold and murky waters and forged through uncertainty, all while being together. This shared hardship was not only fun, but it helped us grow closer to one another. It’s one of the fondest memories I have when I think about my amazing classmates, and through that shared hardship, I know I can count on any one of my fellow astronauts when the going gets tough.
If you could play any song during launch, what would it be?
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to always follow your passion, never stature or money, because following a life of passion is long-term, sustainable and usually helps others. Be accountable for your mistakes and failures, and maintain the humility to learn from those mistakes and failures. And finally, I would caution myself that all worthwhile goals are difficult to obtain, but with the right attitude and hard work, you can accomplish anything.
How did your time as a Navy Seal impact your astronaut training?
Being a Naval Special Warfare Operator taught me that humans are capable of accomplishing ten times what their bodies and mind tell them. I learned there are no limits in life, and the biggest setback one can have is a poor attitude. I learned the value of strong leadership and accountability. I also learned the meaning of sacrifice, hardship, teamwork, love and compassion. All these traits helped me to develop the hard and soft skills required to be an astronaut.
How do we prepare medically for long duration missions? What tools, resources, medications do we anticipate needing, and how do we figure that out?
This is a great question and the answer is evolving. The way we answer this question is by being thoughtful and consulting the medical communities to weigh the pros and cons of every single decision we make regarding this. Mass plays an important factor, so we have to be mindful of everything we bring and how we train for it.
Who was the first person you called after being selected to be an astronaut?
It would have been my wife but she was with me when I heard the news. The first person I called was my mom.
What is one item from home that you would bring to space?
A picture of my wife and kids.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Artemis generation of astronauts?
It means that I have a duty and obligation to serve humanity’s best interests. To explore the unknown, push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. It means I have an immense opportunity to serve as an example and inspiration to our next generation of leaders and explorers. It also means there is a hard road ahead, and when the mission calls for us, we will be ready.
What are three personal items, besides photos of family and friends, that you would bring with you on your first spaceflight?
An automatic watch, because the engineering behind a timepiece is a beautiful thing. An American flag, because I proudly believe and uphold the principles and ideals our country stands for. And finally, a nice journal that I can put handwritten thoughts on.
Thank you for your time, and good luck on your first spaceflight assignment!
Follow Jonny Kim on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with his life as NASA astronaut.
Hilary Swank cartwheeling through Mission Control >>> the feel good content we’re looking for.
To get some insight on playing an astronaut going to Mars, Hilary took a trip to Johnson Space Center and spoke with astronaut Jessica Meir who lived aboard the International Space Station for over 200 days!
Watch the duo talk about living in space, life on Earth after a mission and more! Check out her whole visit HERE: https://youtu.be/8NRJvUlpuKI
In this image, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 32 flight engineer, appears to touch the bright Sun during the mission's third spacewalk outside the International Space Station. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Aki Hoshide is visible in the reflection of Williams' helmet visor.
Today, April 12, is the International Day of Human Space Flight—marking Yuri Gagarin's first flight in 1961, and the first space shuttle launch in 1981.
As we honor global collaboration in exploration, we're moving forward to the Moon & Mars under the Artemis Accords.
What’s It Like to Work in NASA’s Mission Control Center?
In the latest installment of our First Woman graphic novel series, we see Commander Callie Rodriguez embark on the next phase of her trailblazing journey, as she leaves the Moon to take the helm at Mission Control.
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Flight directors work in Mission Control to oversee operations of the International Space Station and Artemis missions to the Moon. They have a unique, overarching perspective focused on integration between all the systems that make a mission a success – flight directors have to learn a little about a lot.
Diane Dailey and Chloe Mehring were selected as flight directors in 2021. They’ll be taking your questions about what it’s like to lead teams of flight controllers, engineers, and countless professionals, both agencywide and internationally, in an Answer Time session on Nov. 28, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. EST (9-10 a.m. PST) here on our Tumblr!
Like Callie, how did their unique backgrounds and previous experience, prepare them for this role? What are they excited about as we return to the Moon?