Interview with NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy
Podcast Host: Aarohi
Guest Speaker: Astronaut Chris Cassidy
Host Aarohi: Good morning, my excited audience! I am Aarohi Narendran from Life Beyond Podcast. In today’s
episode we will talk about outer space. Have you guys wondered, “What It’s Like to Be Alone on the
International Space Station”, well, this former Navy SEAL, and Astronaut spent 378 days in space. Today we are
fortunate to interview versatile, adventurous, Christopher John "Chris" Cassidy. Chris is one among the
astronauts featured on the Disney documentary series Among the Stars.
Chris Cassidy is a former Navy SEAL who was selected to become a NASA astronaut in 2004. Over his career, he
spent 378 days in space, did 10 space walks and worked on three missions to the International Space Station.
On his last journey to space last year, he served as Commander of the ISS during Expedition 63.
Welcome to our podcast, Chris!
Chris Cassidy: Thank you for the hearty-welcome, Aarohi, delighted to be here.
Host Aarohi: Our aspiring astronauts from around the world would like to know a few things based on your
experience at NASA and your outer space missions.
Chris Cassidy: Oh sure, go ahead.
Question 1: What inspired you to become an astronaut?
Answer: I was not the kid with photos of rocket ships all around the wall of my room, before I became chosen
by Nasa and became an astronaut, I worked in the Navy SEAL and didn’t really think that I would become an
astronaut someday. One day, I came across a toy in a toy set for my kids, an astronaut figurine. So, I was
inspired to become an astronaut by this figurine and that became my good luck charm.
Question 2: Civilians have now gone to space on privately funded missions. How common do you think it’ll
be for kids in my generation to go to space?
Answer: Honestly, I think it’s going to be very common. Civilians will be able to take a space holiday. At the
moment, the prices of the space tickets are rocket-high, but soon the prices will land to the ground.
Question 3: Have you ever gotten space sick?
Answer: If you’re used to flying in planes upside-down and sideways, you’d better try going into space. Space
sicknesses are really common. It usually happens right after the rocket engines are turned off. You begin from
the Earth’s gravity in the outer space through the acceleration of launch, and then bang: You’re floating. Most
of us would take space sickness medication before launch, but as I said: ‘Space sicknesses are common to most
astronauts.
Question 4: Is it hard to sleep in space?
Answer: Well, it’s tricky if you’re new to it. It isn’t as easy as it looks. There wouldn’t be a pillow and you can’t
sleep on your side, because you’re floating and it’s hard to stay in one position.
Question 5: You did Spacewalk nearly 10 times, have you ever been scared that you’ll float away while
walking in space?
Answer: Well, we work hard to avoid becoming released. If we do go free, we have this little backpack with a
tiny jet thruster that has a little bit of gas, we use it to return to the space station. We are trained to use it just
in case. But honestly, it’s still scary when you go outside the spacecraft your 1st time, or even 10th time.
Host Aarohi: It was so nice getting to know all this information from you Chris. Thank you for taking some time
out from your busy schedule to interview with us.
Chris Cassidy: It’s my pleasure, Aarohi to share my experience being an Astronaut.
Host Aarohi: Chris is always an inspiration for young people wanting to be astronauts. He announced his
retirement from both the Navy and NASA Astronaut Corps on May 28, 2021. For more outer space series keep
a tab on this space.
For now, thank you for watching the Life Beyond Podcast folks and we’ll see you all again soon! Bye!
Chris Cassidy with his “lucky charm” figurine.
Presented by
Aarohi Narendran
4MA
