NASA's Oldest Astronaut Feels Rejuvenated After 7-Month ISS Mission, Eyes Future Flights
April 28, 2025
Humorously, Pettit recounted fixing a $12 razor on the ISS, highlighting that his motivation was not economic but stemmed from his enjoyment of tinkering.
Pettit credited his trainers and flight doctors for their support in his recovery and readjustment to Earth's gravity upon his return.
In a recent press conference, Pettit clarified that the respectful camera coverage during his time of illness was not indicative of a medical emergency but rather a measure of privacy.
Pettit expressed a passion for hands-on work, noting that astronauts often spend time repairing equipment, which he enjoys due to his mechanical, electrical, and fluid skills.
Don Pettit, NASA's oldest full-time astronaut, recently completed a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), during which he experienced a rejuvenating sensation, feeling decades younger due to the effects of weightlessness.
Having been an astronaut since 1996 and flown to space four times, Pettit expressed interest in potentially flying again before he retires from space travel.
He emphasized the importance of sharing his unique perspective through photography, which allows him to convey phenomena such as meteors and volcanic eruptions in a deeper way.
During his time in space, Pettit conducted various physics experiments, including creating bubbles and forming a perfect ball of honey on a spoon with peanut butter.
Upon returning to Earth, Pettit expressed joy at being back home, acknowledging that while he loves space exploration, there comes a time to return.
However, he faced challenges readjusting to gravity after 220 days in space, describing his return as difficult and noting that he felt ill during the landing.
Throughout his mission, Pettit took over 670,000 photographs, driven by his desire to capture and share the beauty of the universe with those on Earth.
He described his photography as a means to transform experiences that most people cannot witness firsthand into visual narratives.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Yahoo News • Apr 28, 2025
NASA's oldest astronaut felt the decades melt away in space before returning on his 70th birthday
New York Post • Apr 29, 2025
NASA’s oldest astronaut felt the decades melt away in space before returning on his 70th birthday
Ars Technica • Apr 29, 2025
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Ars Technica • Apr 28, 2025
What’s it like to be 70 years old in space? “All those little aches and pains heal up.”