StarTalk Season 4 Episode 19 Astronaut Scott Kelly

In season 4 episode 19 of StarTalk, host Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with astronaut Scott Kelly to discuss his experiences in space. Kelly, who spent a year on the International Space Station, shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of long-duration spaceflight.

The episode begins with Kelly discussing his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and how he pursued that dream by joining the Navy, becoming a pilot, and eventually being selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He then shares the incredible experience of launching into space and seeing Earth from above for the first time.

Throughout the episode, Kelly and Tyson discuss the science behind space travel, including the physics of spaceflight, the medical challenges of being in microgravity for an extended period of time, and the impact of space radiation on the human body. Kelly shares some of the experiments he conducted while in space, including growing lettuce and using a 3D printer to create tools and equipment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is Kelly's discussion of the mental and emotional challenges of being in space. He talks about the isolation of being away from family and friends for so long, and the difficulty of maintaining a sense of normalcy in a completely different environment. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, and how he and his crewmates worked with astronauts from other countries while on the ISS.

Throughout the episode, Tyson and Kelly also touch on some of the current and future challenges facing space exploration, such as the need for sustainable life support systems and the potential dangers of space debris. Kelly shares his thoughts on the importance of continued exploration and research in space, emphasizing that it is both a scientific and a human endeavor.

Overall, StarTalk season 4 episode 19 with astronaut Scott Kelly provides a fascinating and insightful look into the world of spaceflight, and the challenges and rewards of living and working in space. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about what it's like to be an astronaut, this episode is well worth a watch.