High above the Earth, where the blue and green globe spins silently in the vast expanse of space, a group of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) marked a festive occasion with a unique celebration. This Thanksgiving, four NASA astronauts—Nick Hague, Don Pettit, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore—shared not just a meal but also heartfelt wishes with everyone back home, demonstrating the boundless spirit of gratitude.
Sending Warm Wishes from the Stars
The crew, beaming with smiles, gathered to send a special Thanksgiving message, with Suni Williams initiating the greetings. “Greetings from the International Space Station!” Williams enthusiastically started the two-minute video, which was released by NASA on November 27. “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.”
Don Pettit, reflecting on the essence of Thanksgiving, shared thoughts on the connection despite distance. “Thanksgiving is typically a holiday where family and friends get together,” Pettit remarked. “Sometimes that can’t happen—to physically be around each other—but in today’s age, you can virtually tie in to your family and friends.”
A Space Menu: Turkey Day Feast Aboard ISS
Nick Hague took the opportunity to delve into the details of their Thanksgiving meal, showcasing the adaptability of holiday traditions in space. As he opened a box of space food, Hague revealed, “We’ve got Brussels—,” only for Pettit to humorously add, “There’s sardines!” Laughing off the mix-up, Hague continued, “Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples and spice, and smoked turkey. It’s going to be delicious.”
Gratitude in Zero Gravity
Butch Wilmore highlighted the unique aspects of celebrating in space, expressing thankfulness for the experience of zero gravity among other things. “I mean, there’s not many places that you can be that you can actually lay on the ceiling, and this is one of them,” Wilmore noted. “We’re thankful for zero gravity. It’s fantastic.” He also voiced appreciation for the broader support that makes their missions possible, including their families, friends, and the nation’s commitment to space exploration.
Prolonged Mission and Safe Returns
The video also touched upon the operational side of their mission. Williams and Wilmore, who were part of the first-ever crewed flight of Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, faced an extended stay at the ISS due to technical issues. Originally planned for a short duration, their mission was prolonged, with a return now scheduled in February aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, alongside Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Don Pettit arrived at the ISS via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, continuing the international collaboration that marks space exploration.
