American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson stated that he was never concerned about NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returning safely to Earth, despite their mission being extended to over nine months.
In an interview with NDTV, he highlighted the astronauts' preparedness and emotional resilience, ensured their well-being throughout their prolonged stay in space.
Tyson emphasised that astronauts are selected not just for their physical endurance but also for their emotional stability. "No time did they look sad or depressed," he said, adding that NASA ensures its astronauts can handle unexpected situations without panic. The ability to stay composed, even when a mission stretches from a planned eight days to nine months, is crucial for maintaining crew safety.
"That is why I was never worried, even when everybody else was," he said.
Journey Back To Earth
Williams and Wilmore finally returned aboard a SpaceX craft after months in orbit, a delay that drew global attention. Tyson noted that adjusting back to Earth's gravity takes a few days.
Astronauts initially forget they are on Earth, sometimes letting go of objects like drinking glasses, expecting them to float, he observed. "You have to give them plastic cups initially," he joked.
Tyson recalled his interaction with Williams on his his podcast. The astronaut had let her hair float in microgravity, which led him to ask if it acted like a dust mop. He had a fun discussion with her, where she playfully swung her hair around, he said.
Space Travel's Growing Accessibility
Switching from Boeing's Starliner to a SpaceX rocket was a "luxury", according to Tyson, as it illustrated how multiple private players are transforming space travel. "Never mind the nine-month delay; the fact that we had options shows that space travel is becoming a normal part of human activity."
He also envisioned a future where rescue rockets would be readily available to avoid long delays. "Maybe we will always have a spare rocket in the garage," he said.
India's Space Ambitions And PM Modi's Vision
Tyson revealed that he discussed the future of India's space program with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to New York. Modi, he noted, is keen on integrating private enterprises into ISRO's activities, viewing it as a natural evolution of space exploration.
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