W5: Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques' space mission

Summary

Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques has surpassed 100 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Throughout his mission, he’s been involved in scientific experiments, operating the Canadarm, and even fixing a leaky toilet. With a background in medicine, astrophysics, and engineering, David's work focuses on understanding the impact of space on the human body. His experiences offer valuable insights into long-term space travel, from physical adjustments to emotional challenges. As he conducts experiments to improve human health on Earth, David reflects on his mission's deeper connection to humanity and the Earth itself.

Takeaways

• 😀 David Saint-Jacques, a Canadian astronaut, has surpassed 100 days in space and is the ninth Canadian in orbit.
• 😀 In space, David has engaged in various activities including scientific experiments, operating the Canadarm, and even fixing a leaky toilet.
• 😀 One of David's most profound experiences was seeing Earth from space, describing it as beautiful and alive, and feeling the planet's uniqueness.
• 😀 The launch to space was not without its challenges, with a near disaster on a Russian rocket before David's successful launch in December 2018.
• 😀 David’s extensive training for space included time in Russia's Star City, in centrifuges, and underwater, preparing for the harsh realities of space travel.
• 😀 On the ISS, David is conducting medical experiments to understand how space affects the human body, with a focus on bones, muscles, and cardiovascular health.
• 😀 David's medical background, along with his fluency in five languages, makes him highly qualified for his role as an astronaut, as well as his medical research in space.
• 😀 One key project on the ISS is the biomonitor smart shirt, which continuously tracks David’s vital signs and helps researchers gather valuable data for space medicine.
• 😀 Living in space comes with challenges such as muscle atrophy and bone brittleness, but David uses resistance training and stretching to mitigate these effects.
• 😀 Despite the physical challenges, David has adapted to zero gravity and feels comfortable flying and navigating in space, which took some time to adjust to initially.
• 😀 Although life on the ISS can feel isolating and repetitive, David remains focused on the mission and connects with his family regularly via video calls and shared moments like breakfast with his children.

Q & A

What was David S. Jacques' first impression upon arriving in space?

David's first impression of space was awe at the view of Earth from the Kopa Lookout windows. He was struck by the beauty of the planet, describing it as glowing and breathing, unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

How did David prepare for the challenges of zero gravity?

David had to adjust to zero gravity by learning to fly and move around in space. Initially, he found it difficult and would crash into walls, but over time, he became comfortable, even describing it as 'normal' after enough practice.

What scientific experiments is David S. Jacques involved in aboard the ISS?

David is involved in a variety of scientific experiments, particularly focused on the impact of space on the human body. This includes studying bone density, cardiovascular effects, and the potential risks of long-duration spaceflight, all aimed at enabling safer future space exploration.

What is the biomonitor smart shirt, and how is it used in David's research?

The biomonitor smart shirt is a Canadian invention designed to continuously monitor David’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, in real time. It helps researchers on Earth track his health during the mission.

How does David cope with the physical and psychological effects of living in space?

David regularly uses resistance training and stretching to combat muscle atrophy and other physical effects of zero gravity. Psychologically, he sometimes struggles with the isolation and routine, but maintains communication with his family to manage stress.

What challenges did David face during his launch and arrival at the ISS?

David faced a significant delay and a near disaster when a Russian Soyuz rocket mission failed. After the incident, David and his team resumed training and, in December 2018, successfully launched and docked with the ISS, after nearly nine years of preparation.

What does David's background in medicine and engineering contribute to his role as an astronaut?

David's diverse background, including degrees in engineering, a PhD in astrophysics, and his medical doctor experience, make him well-suited for the demands of space missions. His medical expertise is especially valuable in monitoring his own health and conducting experiments on the human body in space.

How does David's family maintain connections during his mission?

David regularly communicates with his family through video calls, emails, and sharing common activities like eating waffles. His children send him toys and notes, helping him feel connected to home despite the distance.

What has been one of the most surprising aspects of David's time in space?

One surprising aspect for David is how much trust is placed in astronauts aboard the ISS. Unlike on Earth, where technicians double-check everything, astronauts in space are trusted to manage the mission and perform tasks with minimal external support.

What are David's future plans before returning to Earth?

Before his return to Earth, David hopes to perform a spacewalk outside the ISS and operate the Canadarm, a robotic arm that is a key part of Canada's space program. These activities are on his 'bucket list' for his mission.