

From Spaceman to Ironman: The Luca Parmitano Story
14 snips Apr 27, 2020
Luca Parmitano, an astronaut and first Italian ISS commander, shares his fascinating journey from space to triathlon. Joined by his coach, John Mayfield, they delve into the unique challenges of training for an Ironman in zero gravity. Luca reflects on the parallels between astronaut training and triathlon preparation, revealing the adaptability needed in both realms. They discuss the importance of camaraderie in endurance sports and share humorous insights about life in space, including quirky food experiences and the emotional journey of resilience.
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Launch: Calm Amid Chaos
- Luca described a 'calm sense of chaos' during Soyuz rocket launches, feeling both focused and awestruck.
- His younger self still marvels at the reality of going to space, blending professionalism with wonder.
Spacewalks Like Scuba Dives
- Luca compared spacewalks to scuba diving, describing the profound experience of being immersed in space instead of viewing it from inside.
- He recounted a moment outside the station watching sunrises and atmospheric layers vividly, a memory he still cherishes.
Astronauts as Multi-skilled Operators
- On the space station, astronauts must become versatile scientists, plumbers, and electricians to maintain and operate equipment.
- The station's core work is science and technology, requiring adaptability beyond initial astronaut specialties.