Two US Astronauts Grounded at ISS Due to Technical Glitch
Rubio Spent 371 Days in Space Without a Plan
Interview with WP... "I Think I Enjoy Privileges"
"You can see the incredibly amazing sights of Earth. But you end up staying in a somewhat confined space surrounded every day by walls full of computers and cables."
American astronaut Frank Rubio headed to the International Space Station (ISS) in September 2022. His original planned stay was six months, but unexpectedly, the period was extended to 371 days. Astronauts only briefly stay in the Cupola, the space where they can look at Earth, and spend their daily lives in their own quarters connected by long corridors. Frank said, "You have to fight monotony. Since being an astronaut is essentially work, you have to shake off the feeling that it is repetitive and monotonous."
Due to technical issues, American astronauts Sunita Williams (left in the photo) and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are delayed in returning to Earth from the ISS. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
The Washington Post (WP) recently reported an interview with Rubio, who had a similar experience in the past, along with the current situation of American astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are stuck on the ISS due to technical problems delaying their return to Earth.
Currently, astronauts Wilmore and Williams are staying on the ISS aboard the Starliner. They originally planned to stay on the ISS for eight days to carry out their mission but have been unable to return for over eight months. The Starliner, which brought them to the ISS, was deemed unusable for return due to helium gas leaks and thruster malfunctions, and ultimately, in September, the Starliner returned to Earth without them on board.
In this situation, the experience of 'senior astronaut' Rubio is drawing attention. Rubio, a West Point graduate who went on to medical school and served as an Army helicopter pilot, currently works at NASA. In an interview with WP, Rubio said, "I think it is important to acknowledge that this is not an ideal situation," adding, "We are all human. It can always be somewhat difficult."
American astronaut Frank Rubio (Photo by NASA)
Rubio explained that living in space is challenging both physically and mentally. He often experiences headaches in zero gravity and sometimes parts of his body swell. To address these physical issues, it is necessary to exercise for at least two hours and maintain a set routine for several months.
Rubio said that monotony comes during this process. He tried to think of himself as enjoying a privilege to endure the monotony. He compared it to the hardships other soldiers face, such as being captured as prisoners of war, and thought it was not such a big problem in comparison. Rubio added, "If you think that way, it’s hard to feel sorry for yourself."
Rubio expressed regret about not being able to be with his family due to the unexpectedly extended space stay. At that time, his son graduated from high school, and his eldest daughter started her first year of college.
Wilmore and Williams also expressed similar thoughts in interviews with American media. Wilmore’s eldest daughter is a sophomore in college, and his youngest daughter is a senior in high school. Wilmore described this experience as something special that will help his children grow. Williams called space a "happy place," saying that her husband, mother, and friends understand this, and she misses her two pet dogs.
The two are scheduled to return to Earth in February next year aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. Earlier, in September, ahead of the U.S. presidential election, they drew significant attention by applying for absentee ballots and exercising their voting rights.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
