A Meet-and-Greet from the International Space Station
Space enthusiasts from across Columbia’s campus filled the Altschul Auditorium on April 21 for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to video call the International Space Station (ISS).
Credit: Minju O’Rourke
Talk about a long-distance call!
Space enthusiasts from across Columbia’s campus filled the Altschul Auditorium on April 21 for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to video call the International Space Station (ISS). Led by the Columbia Space Initiative, the 90-minute event featured a Q-and-A with NASA astronaut Warren “Woody” Hoburg, who recently made his first expedition into space. Hoburg is currently on the ISS as part of NASA's Crew-6 mission.
NASA Astronaut Warren “Woody” Hoburg Video-calls Students from the ISS. Credit: Claudio Solano
“Talking to students who are excited about space is possibly one of the coolest things I could do,” said Hoburg, who has expressed interest in visiting Columbia Engineering in person when he touches down on Earth. Students spent time asking Hoburg questions about his experience on the ISS, ranging from mealtime in space to conducting research and working with other fellow astronauts.
“I've been making all sorts of different taco creations, using cranberries on tacos and coming up with interesting concoctions for variety,” he said with a laugh.
On a more serious note, when asked about working with others on the ISS, Hoburg said, “Something that is so apparent when you’re up here is that you can’t do human space flight on your own. You have to be part of the team … And beyond that, looking back at Earth–that beautiful marble sitting in that black vacuum of space–you realize that we are kind of one team on Earth, as well, and we really need to come together in order to solve the challenges we have on our beautiful home.”
Mike Massimino, professor of professional practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, also shared moments from his own exciting career in space. From 1996 to 2014, Massimino served as a NASA astronaut, flying in space twice and walking in space four times for the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions.
Mike Massimino, Columbia Engineering faculty and former NASA astronaut, makes introductory remarks at the recent Columbia Space Initiative ISS call with Astronaut Woody. Credit: Minju O’Rourke
“This doesn’t happen very often,” said Massimino to the packed auditorium. “Astronaut time is really valuable on orbit so devoting time to do this [event] is important. NASA likes to spread the word to encourage students and education, but there are so many schools that would love to have this opportunity; we are really very fortunate. Thanks to the students for organizing this.”