Helen Sharman

Helen Sharman, the first British person in space and a pioneering chemist, shares her incredible journey into outer space. She talks about the whimsical side of astronaut training and the quirky role of animals like tortoises in space missions. With a humorous nod to bizarre fashion trends, the conversation touches on the vital role women played in making Apollo spacesuits. Lastly, the logistics of enjoying ice cream in zero gravity spark laughter as Helen reflects on life aboard the International Space Station.

Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut who ventured into space in 1991, shares her remarkable journey from ice cream to the cosmos. She discusses her training in the Soviet Union and the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. Sharman reflects on the challenges of sustainability, space debris, and the need for responsible practices as humanity eyes Mars. The conversation also touches on the recent plight of astronauts stranded in space, highlighting the psychological challenges they face and the significance of mental resilience in extreme conditions.