Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and tradition. But what happens when you’re 250 miles above Earth, orbiting at 17,500 miles per hour? For astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Thanksgiving is a unique blend of earthly customs and space-age adaptations, proving that even in the vacuum of space, the spirit of the holiday thrives.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving in Space
Thanksgiving in space traces its roots back to November 1973, during the Skylab 4 mission. Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue shared a special meal after a challenging six-hour spacewalk, marking the first Thanksgiving celebrated off Earth.
Since then, Thanksgiving has become a cherished tradition for American astronauts. The first celebration on the ISS took place in 2000, just weeks after the station became operational. NASA astronaut William M. Shepherd, along with Russian cosmonauts Yuri P. Gidzenko and Sergei K. Krikalev, shared a meal, setting the stage for future festivities.
Thanksgiving 2024: Celebrating Far from Home
This year’s Thanksgiving aboard the ISS featured astronauts Suni Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit. They shared a heartfelt video message with Earth, expressing gratitude for their loved ones and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research.
Their space-friendly feast included a menu of smoked turkey, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and a sweet “apples and spice” dessert. These dishes, prepared on Earth, were vacuum-sealed, dehydrated, and rehydrated aboard the station. While the meals may lack the aroma of a home-cooked dinner, they’re a comforting reminder of the traditions they cherish back on Earth.
Unique Challenges of a Space Thanksgiving
Celebrating Thanksgiving in space requires adapting to the realities of microgravity. Cooking from scratch is impossible, so meals are carefully prepared in advance by NASA’s food scientists. These dishes are designed to retain their taste and nutritional value after rehydration.
Despite the challenges, astronauts get creative to make the holiday feel special. They often decorate the station with small touches of home, like turkey stickers or Thanksgiving-themed patches. They also connect with their families via video calls, bridging the vast distance between space and Earth.
2024: Gratitude Amid Challenges
This year’s celebration was particularly poignant for Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. The duo experienced an unexpected extension to their mission due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. While their return to Earth was delayed, they maintained high spirits and focused on the joys of sharing Thanksgiving with their crewmates.
Fostering Global Unity
Thanksgiving on the ISS isn’t limited to American astronauts. The celebration is a station-wide event, with international crew members joining in. The holiday serves as a time to reflect on the shared mission of exploration and the bonds formed in this unique environment. It’s a testament to how space unites people across cultures and backgrounds.
FAQs: Thanksgiving in Space
1. How do astronauts prepare Thanksgiving meals in space?
Astronauts enjoy pre-packaged, dehydrated dishes like turkey, cranberries, and vegetables. They rehydrate these meals using hot water from the station’s galley.
2. Do astronauts get time off for Thanksgiving?
Yes! While essential duties like maintenance and experiments continue, crews usually get downtime to share a meal and connect with loved ones on Earth.
3. Do international astronauts participate?
Absolutely. Thanksgiving on the ISS is inclusive, with all crew members joining the celebration. It’s a chance to share traditions and build camaraderie.
Thanksgiving in space is a beautiful reminder of humanity’s resilience and adaptability. No matter where we are in the universe, the spirit of gratitude and connection endures. As the astronauts orbit Earth, they carry with them not only the spirit of exploration but also the traditions that ground us to our home planet.
Want to see this year’s space celebration in action? Watch the ISS crew’s Thanksgiving message here: Thanksgiving in Space 2024 – NASA Video
