NASA’s most senior active astronaut has come back to Earth following over seven months in orbit, sharing with journalists that he still feels as though he’s “a little kid inside.”
celebrating his 70th birthday during his mission
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At a press briefing held Monday at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, experienced astronaut Don Pettit shared insights from his most recent 220-day stint onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
“I’m glad to be back on planet Earth again. While I enjoy venturing into space, conducting missions, and making observations out at the frontiers, there comes a point when it’s time to return home, and here I am,” Pettin stated.
The experienced astronaut has amassed 590 days in space across four missions, placing them at number three on NASA’s all-time list. Serving as a Flight Engineer for Expeditions 71 and 72, Pettit circled the planet 3,520 times and covered over 93.3 million miles prior to landing back on Earth via a Russian-built Soyuz spaceship coinciding with their 70th birthday.
During his time in orbit, Pettit dedicated himself to conducting numerous hours of scientific research. The studies he undertook were aimed at improving metal 3D printing techniques in space environments, developing advanced methods for purifying water, investigating how plants grow under various hydration levels, and examining the dynamics of flame propagation in low-gravity settings.
“I aim to conduct activities in space that are impossible anywhere else, and I will catch up on television shows and similar pursuits once I return. Therefore, part of the reason for spending time in space was to work on scientific opportunities, particularly my favored experiment,” explained Pettin.
FURTHER: NASA astronaut Don Pettit will be returning from the ISS on his 70th birthday.
Pettit mentioned that astronauts dedicate much of their time aboard the ISS to disassembling components and repairing them. He noted that this task requires “mechanical expertise, electrical knowledge, as well as an understanding of fluids.” Pettis added that these precise types of activities are what he enjoys doing during his free moments.
The experienced astronaut talked about dedicating three hours to repair a $12 razor on the International Space Station. He mentioned that his motivation was not to cut costs but simply because he enjoys fiddling with gadgets.
A passionate photographer, Pettit captured more than 670,000 photographs during his time on the International Space Station, frequently posting his pictures online. He expressed his desire to convey the experience to others and utilized his camera as a tool to narrate the tale of his mission.
Pettit mentioned, “I had the opportunity to gaze out the window and simply appreciate the scenery, yet whenever I found myself staring out with nothing else to do, it felt as though every moment was filled with astonishment: ‘Wow, a shooting star! Look at that spectacle. Hey, what’s up with that flashing light? And hey, check out that volcanic eruption.’ It always made me think, ‘Where’s my camera? I have to capture these moments.’ For me, one of the main motivations after completing a mission has been collecting photos and cherished recollections.”
Pettit acknowledges his trainers and medical team for aiding in his recuperation and adjusting his body back to Earth’s gravitational pull. Although delighted to return home, the 70-year-old mentions that residing in space has certain benefits.
For the seventy-year-old astronaut, space provides distinct advantages apart from scientific exploration. Petit enjoys how being in space makes him feel as youthful as he was three decades ago.
You’re weightless, and all those minor discomforts and aches vanish; suddenly, you feel as vibrant as someone three decades younger—free from pain and worry—and prepared to embark on your missionary journey. Thus, I adore being in space. For both my well-being and physical condition, it’s an ideal setting,” he stated, indicating that despite his age of 70, venturing into space is still achievable.
