Pablo Torre Finds Out Mission, Possible: The Otherworldly Optimism of Senator Mark Kelly
Sep 26, 2025
Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Senator from Arizona, shares his journey from space to the Senate floor. He discusses the importance of scientific literacy in policymaking and argues for prioritizing data over political agendas. Reflecting on the impact of his wife Gabby Giffords' shooting, he emphasizes their mission for gun violence prevention and campaign finance reform. Kelly also highlights the need for optimism in innovation, examining AI's potential, and stresses teaching science to inspire future leaders.
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Unusual First Date
- Mark Kelly's first date with Gabby Giffords was a trip to Florence State Prison death row.
- He later learned she had planned it as a date and they soon began seeing each other regularly.
When News Said She Died
- Mark Kelly recounts the January 8, 2011 shooting and the immediate chaos of conflicting news reports.
- He describes getting the call, rushing to Tucson, and being shaken when he was incorrectly told Gabby had died.
Survival And Surgery During Spaceflight
- Gabby Giffords survived a near-fatal head wound and underwent multiple surgeries and months of rehab.
- Mark Kelly recalls her prosthetic skull surgery occurring while he manually docked the shuttle with the ISS.
