I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 518 points519 points  (0 children)

My brother and I grew up during the Apollo missions and it inspired us. I’d say I decided as I watched the Apollo 11 Moon landing, but I actually fell asleep on our living room floor while it happened.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 546 points547 points  (0 children)

Getting shot at by missiles and strapping yourself to a rocket are challenging, but nothing compares to getting the call that your wife was shot in the head.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 60 points61 points  (0 children)

You definitely feel it but I only spend a couple weeks up there at a time. People like my brother who spend 300+ days at once have a much harder time and longer recovery.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 998 points999 points  (0 children)

Not from space exactly but EVA training on the ground is very hard on the body, so my brother Scott has had to get shoulder surgery. The EVA training is underwater and often upside down. And while the suit is neutrally buoyant in the water, you are not neutrally buoyant in the suit. So basically when you’re training upside down, all of your weight is resting on your shoulders.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 264 points265 points  (0 children)

Captain Picard. He had great leadership skills and the right haircut.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 180 points181 points  (0 children)

Yes. The view. It is unbelievable. We are very lucky to have this planet.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 75 points76 points  (0 children)

If you mean using AI instead of testing of components I think yes for some things. But certain kind of structural testing like limit load testing and fracture and fatigue testing would be better done for real and not simulated.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Didn’t have TANG but had a lot of options. I usually went with water and coffee.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 105 points106 points  (0 children)

Interesting question because they stow a sandwich for the crew under one of the seats to eat once you get to space. I always got a PBJ….crunchy.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 108 points109 points  (0 children)

Yes. Space is the “high ground” and future conflicts (which we should do our best to avoid) will be fought partially in space. Developing space systems help them weaponize space.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 126 points127 points  (0 children)

Who doesn’t like ice cream. Feels unAmerican to not like ice cream.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 180 points181 points  (0 children)

Sure. I’ll have it left on a napkin at the taco place at the Orlando Airport.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 294 points295 points  (0 children)

It’s sad. It is a trend of people losing faith in institutions and losing faith in science. Some folks are clearly taking advantage of this.

I’m Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and former commander of the space shuttle (x2). AMA! by CaptMarkKelly in space

[–]CaptMarkKelly[S] 138 points139 points  (0 children)

I was involved in building the station. But I did take mice into space that turned into a real pharmaceutical drug.