This Thanksgiving was one to remember as a crew of astronauts and cosmonauts took holiday spirit to an extraordinary altitude: Earth orbit. Aboard the Soyuz MS-28, NASA’s Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev lifted off in the wee hours, their journey marked by symbolic tradition and novel technology. Flying under the call sign “Gyrfalcon,” they carried with them artwork from pediatric cancer patients and hand-crafted zero-g indicators, bridging heartfelt stories from their communities to the cosmos.
Thanksgiving in Orbit
For Chris Williams, this marked a personal milestone—the ultimate family road trip in the stars. Just as his grandmother embarked decades ago on an immigrant voyage to the US from Panama, Williams now ventured into the final frontier, carrying with him echoes of past family journeys, symbolizing a shared dream among the stars. Meanwhile, reminiscent of a bustling, earth-bound feast, the crew prepared their own space-age Thanksgiving meal.
A Diverse Menu in Microgravity
The unique holiday spread, courtesy of NASA’s food lab, included traditional fare of turkey and cranberry sauce, alongside more eclectic offerings including salmon and lobster. As astronauts like Mike Fincke embraced their second Thanksgiving in orbit, the spirit of celebration continued, with the promise of another festive day among the stars.
Tech Meets Tradition
With NASA and Roscosmos blending both holiday tradition and cutting-edge science, Expedition 74 will conduct a plethora of scientific research. Chris Williams will lead studies in cryogenic fuel, re-entry protocols, and exercise systems that mimic earth-bound workouts, serving greater missions ahead. Meanwhile, for Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev, their journey includes pioneering AI assistance tools like GigaChat, offering an innovative collaboration in human-machine synergy in the cosmos.
The Next Steps for Space
As this holiday mission transitions into its scientific objectives, the crew stands ready to expand human understanding and foster international collaboration amidst the vast void above. According to Space, such missions are emblematic of peace and symbolize the unity of distinct cultures and expertise, converging in the shared quest of exploration and knowledge.
This Thanksgiving in space is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to human aspiration, the marvels of technology, and the relentless drive for discovery that knows no boundaries—not even the Earth’s gravitational pull.