Each year as families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a select group of individuals experiences the holiday with a view unlike any other. For the four NASA astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Thanksgiving is a blend of tradition and high-tech feasting, all while orbiting Earth at 17,500 miles per hour.
High Above Earth, A Thanksgiving Message
Aboard the ISS, the holiday spirit thrives among the stars as astronauts Nick Hague, Don Pettit, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore share a message of gratitude and togetherness. This year, they’ve sent down a heartwarming video greeting. “Greetings from the International Space Station!” declared Suni Williams, opening the festive two-minute video. “Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us.”
Their heartfelt message highlights the unique circumstances of celebrating a holiday meant for togetherness while physically separated by the vast expanse of space.
The Astronauts’ Thanksgiving Menu
Forget the traditional oven-roasted turkey; space calls for a more innovative approach to holiday meals. Don Pettit, after discussing the virtual connection they share with loved ones back on Earth, handed the spotlight to Nick Hague, who unveiled the space-adapted Thanksgiving dinner. The menu featured intriguing pouch-packed versions of holiday favorites: Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples with spice, and smoked turkey. “It’s going to be delicious,” Hague assured, showcasing the special meal.
Even in the realm of microgravity, the astronauts find reasons to be thankful, as Butch Wilmore pointed out. From the novelty of lying on the ceiling to the broader achievements of a spacefaring nation, the spirit of gratitude is palpable aboard the ISS.
Challenges and Triumphs in Space
The current crew, part of Expedition 72 under Williams’ command, continues to overcome obstacles, such as the extended stay caused by issues with Boeing’s Starliner thrusters. Originally planned as a short mission, complications have necessitated a longer stay, with the crew now scheduled to return in February aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
This Thanksgiving, as many on Earth enjoy the comfort of home, the astronauts aboard the ISS remind us of the incredible human spirit that thrives even in the isolation of space. Their message and the innovative celebrations aboard the ISS underscore the vast possibilities of human exploration and the enduring connections that bind us, even when miles apart.
