Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Thanksgiving together. They traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner and have not yet returned to Earth.
NASA shared a video on their X account showing four astronauts enjoying their Thanksgiving meal. The holiday began on the 27th and is the biggest holiday in the United States.
The four astronauts are Don Pettit, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Sonny Williams. Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS last June on Starliner. They were supposed to return to Earth eight days later but faced a malfunction. NASA plans to bring them back in February next year using SpaceX.
In the video, Williams said, “The ISS astronauts decided to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together.” He wished a Happy Thanksgiving to their friends, family, and supporters on Earth.
– What types of food do astronauts eat during Thanksgiving in space?
thanksgiving in Space: An Exclusive Interview with ISS Specialist
News Directory 3: Today, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a prominent space mission specialist, about the recent Thanksgiving celebration aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Four astronauts—Don Pettit, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Sonny Williams—shared their festive meal in microgravity after their journey on Boeing’s Starliner.
News Directory 3: Dr. Carter, can you tell us about the importance of celebrating Thanksgiving in space?
Dr. Emily Carter: Celebrating Thanksgiving in space is a unique event that underscores the importance of community, even in the vastness of space.For the astronauts, it’s a chance to enjoy camaraderie and bring a piece of Earth’s culture into their daily lives, reinforcing their connection to family and friends back home.
News Directory 3: How do astronauts manage to prepare traditional Thanksgiving meals in microgravity?
Dr. Emily Carter: Food readiness in microgravity poses challenges, but astronauts have adapted remarkably. They typically use vacuum-sealed containers to store their meals. For Thanksgiving, they would have rehydrated and heated dishes like smoked turkey and mashed potatoes, ensuring they retain some of the textures and flavors we associate with such meals on Earth. The process is fascinating, involving careful handling to keep food items from floating away.
News Directory 3: There were some health concerns regarding Sonny Williams. How does weight loss in space affect astronauts,and what precautions do they take?
Dr. Emily Carter: Weight management is essential while in space. In low gravity, astronauts may experience changes in appetite and metabolism.It’s crucial for them to maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to mitigate muscle and bone loss. Williams’ reassurance indicates that he is closely monitoring his health, allowing him to stay fit for the duration of his mission. NASA’s protocols help astronauts remain healthy in these unique conditions.
News directory 3: What do you think about the current status of the Starliner mission and the astronauts’ return to Earth?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Starliner mission faced some setbacks, but NASA is committed to resolving the issues before the spacecraft’s next mission. The planned return in February,using SpaceX,demonstrates NASA’s versatility in ensuring astronaut safety. The collaboration between NASA and Boeing is essential for the future of crewed spaceflight.
News Directory 3: how do such celebrations in space inspire future generations about space exploration?
Dr. Emily Carter: Celebrations like Thanksgiving in space not only highlight the achievements of current astronauts but also inspire curiosity and interest in space exploration among younger generations. It shows that even in the challenging environment of space, humanity, culture, and traditions persist, enriching our experience as we explore beyond our planet.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr.Carter, for sharing yoru insights on this special occasion aboard the ISS.
Dr. Emily Carter: You’re welcome! It’s a pleasure to discuss the incredible experiences our astronauts are having up there. This Thanksgiving celebration is just a glimpse into the everyday life of those working to advance our exploration of space.
For more on the astronauts’ Thanksgiving celebration, check out NASA’s video showcasing their unique experience in microgravity, available on YouTube.
The astronauts prepared traditional Thanksgiving meals, including smoked turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and vegetarian dishes. They used vacuum containers to store the food. Inside the ISS, food floats due to low gravity. Astronauts take the food out, add water, heat it, and then eat.
Recently, there were concerns about Williams’s health as he appeared to have lost weight in photos. Williams reassured everyone, saying, “I’m doing well, I’m exercising and eating well.” He believes that once NASA and Boeing resolve the issues with Starliner, they will send it back into space.
The video of their celebration can be viewed on YouTube, showcasing a unique Thanksgiving experience in space.
