NASA Weekly Update from the Administrator– Nov. 2, 2020
Twenty years and counting! Today the International Space Station celebrates a historic milestone, representing a tremendous multi-nation partnership. This momentous accomplishment and so much more that we have planned for this month are evidence of how NASA’s remarkable influence helps inspire the world every day.
· Top News: Twenty years ago today, on Nov. 2, 2000, the Expedition 1 crew of Commander William Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev, and Yuri Gidzenko arrived at the space station. Take a moment to watch a discussion about the beginning of the station or listen to Shepherd talk about it on Houston, We Have a Podcast. Then watch our current crew in space talk about the anniversary. Learn about 20 breakthroughs from 20 years of science, and check back all week for more great content at https://www.nasa.gov/station20 .
· Next Up: On Saturday, Nov. 14, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission will launch four astronauts to the International Space Station as part of the first crew rotation mission for the Commercial Crew Program. While in-person attendance will be limited because of COVID-19 restrictions, I invite everyone to sign up now to watch the launch online, and learn how to host your own virtual launch party.
· Shout Out: I was intrigued by the NASA scientists’ detection of a never-before-observed molecule in the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. The little known molecule, cyclopropenylidene, could help form the basis for more complex carbon-based compounds that support microbial life. There is a treasure trove of knowledge to learn from these distant places in our solar system.
Our team recently applied our agency insignia and the American flag to the Orion crew module (pictured below), indicating great things to come around this time next year. This spacecraft will usher in the next era of human exploration and humanity’s commitment to do more science, more exploration, and forge farther into the unknown.
Ad astra,
Jim Bridenstine
