Join NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, a self-proclaimed 'rock nerd,' as she shares insights on plant growth in space, her journey to becoming an astronaut, the importance of teamwork in astronaut training, astronaut roles and responsibilities, and her excitement for the future of human space flight and the prospect of going to Mars.
Following one's curiosity and studying areas of interest is crucial for a career in space exploration.
Diverse backgrounds and skill sets, as well as teamwork and collaboration, are essential for successful space missions.
Deep dives
The Crew 4 Mission and Incredible Science
The final episode of NASA's Curious Universe features astronaut Jessica Watkins, a member of NASA's SpaceX Crew 4 mission. The episode highlights the Crew 4 mission's launch and the 170 days spent aboard the International Space Station. The crew conducted various scientific experiments, including growing plants without soil and testing concrete made from lunar dust.
Path to Becoming an Astronaut
Jessica Watkins shares her journey from childhood to becoming an astronaut. She initially became interested in space after learning about a female astronaut at her school. She emphasizes the importance of following one's curiosity and studying areas of interest. NASA values diverse backgrounds and skill sets to enable successful space exploration.
Training and Teamwork
To prepare for space missions, astronauts undergo extensive training. Jessica Watkins discusses the training process, including learning about the International Space Station systems, robotics, spacewalking, flying the T-38 jet, and Russian language training. She also highlights the importance of teamwork, which she developed through playing rugby, and how collaboration and diverse skill sets are essential for successful missions.