Sharing the Olympic Spirit
Aug. 7, 2012
"Watching the Olympics reminds us that we share one planet and that we can respect one another no matter what our differences, yet at the same time we can be proud of who we are and what we represent."
Every week, usually at the end of the day on Friday, we have a conference with our Lead Flight Director, Dina Contella. At the start of this week’s conference, she put the week into perspective. She said this time last week (our conference was on a Thursday because of HTV arrival on Friday) HTV had not docked, 47 Progress was in a standby position waiting to re-dock (which it did and then departed for good), 48 Progress had not launched (it is now attached to the Station), nothing had been unloaded or packed on HTV and we had approximately 40 hours of science to do. Sometimes we get so caught up in working day to day we don’t realize what can be accomplished in a week. I think everyone can agree it was a productive week.
Even with all the work we had to do, we found time to get together and watch the Olympics. Of course everyone knows there is something special about the Olympics and that feeling is not lost in space. We were able to see Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian and Gabby Douglas’ nerves of steel as she won the individual Gymnastics gold medal. If you have read any of my previous blogs, you know that I enjoy my sports. To have two weeks to watch the best athletes of the world compete is a dream come true for any sports enthusiast. To watch them while orbiting above the Earth makes them even more special for us (even though we often miss the end of a competition because we lose satellite coverage).
I have noticed two things while watching these games. One is that no matter what the sport or which country is winning, we all appreciate the efforts of the athletes and acknowledge their abilities. We truly have an international crew on the ISS: three Russian cosmonauts, one Japanese astronaut and two American astronauts (one of Indian descent and one of Puerto Rican descent). While we work together as one team we still maintain our national pride. Just like watching a basketball game with your buddy that is from a different city, we give each other a hard time but congratulate with sincerity the winning team or individual. It is easy to see why we do this when you look out the window from the ISS. We all come from the same place, Planet Earth.
The other aspect of the Olympics that makes even the non-sports fan enjoy these games is the personal stories of the athletes. Each athlete has taken their unique path to the games, just as each of us walks on his own unique path. Even though we come from different places, we can all relate to many of the obstacles the athletes have faced and overcome. A common theme heard from all the athletes is their pride in representing their country and the hard work they have put in. I understand as I am proud to represent the United States and the Puerto Rican community as an Astronaut. Gennady, Yuri, and Sergey feel the same about Russia; as does Aki with Japan and Suni with the US and India. However, you don’t need to be an Astronaut or an Olympian to be proud of where you come from or what you do. As a school teacher, I was proud of the work I did to help develop our future leaders. I think watching the Olympics reminds us that we share one planet and that we can respect one another no matter what our differences, yet at the same time we can be proud of who we are and what we represent. I look forward to another week of great competition and sportsmanship and of course work. We have a lot of cool things planned for this week. Keep an eye out for Curiosity.
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Joe's blog and more also at nasa.gov
Aug. 7, 2012
David W.
Its nice to see you can enjoy your self. I know it has got to be stressful. All the work you all have to do. How was your view on the Olympics. Do you get good reception? Anyways hope all of your test are good. Also hope all of you find time to have some fun. Maybe you can bring back fun stories that you can tell your friends and family. I envy anyone who gets to be part of a space program. Hope everyone makes it home alright. Thank you for trying to advance mankind foreword and doing so in the process.
Aug. 8, 2012
Jacob F.
What a great analog and what a great perspective to exalt it from! Marvelous!
Aug. 8, 2012
Austin V.
Nice pic of you three but where's Yuri?
Aug. 10, 2012
Piyush R.
Being an Indian, I am always proud of Sunita Williams and share the sense of enjoyment as well as concern for her well being at the ISS!
At the same time I enjoy watching the legends at the Olympics (who doesn't!). Bolt's 9.63, Phelp's 4more gold, Brazil's first football Gold and many others!
You all are definite legends in your fields! Not everyone gets a chance to write a blog from space. Isn't it?
Cheers Astronauts! You Inspire Us :) \m/
Aug. 10, 2012
marcela r.
simplemente admirable joe =)
Aug. 27, 2012
Thomas C.
I love the idea behind the Olympics and feel that the ISS is the equal in our research industry. Joe, I'd love to connect with you personally and share a present with you and the crew up there. Please feel free to reach out at tcho at beats by dre dot com. Best, Thomas
Sept. 12, 2012
Mayra R.
How are you Joe! I have been following your success not only because we both come from the same Island of Puerto Rico but also because my last name is also Acaba! If my research serves me right my mom is your relative (Aunt Luz Acaba)
If possible I will like to communicate with you via email.
Thanks
Mayra Rodriguez Acaba
March 27, 2013
dung m.
Completely overcome when the asteroid collision with the earth if a combination of the following: (so my english is not good hope you understand):
1. Using electromagnetic propulsion (the principle of operation of an electromagnet), the magnet is attached to the asteroid and spacecraft (the number of ships depending on calculation).
2. Using hydraulics, hydraulic mounted on the spacecraft when it moves close to the asteroid, they will work with any necessary force acting on the asteroid.
3. Attached to the middle of the asteroid that the missiles, but the missiles are only active after they are firmly stuck to the asteroid (the number of calculations), and automatic control.
Note: - 03 to be used at the same time, when it is very far from Earth (in addition can be combined with other methods, if any).
- When push meteorites, we direct them to Jupiter, or Saturn, to take advantage of the gravity of them, to a certain point, moving asteroids that crashed into Jupiter or Saturn, doing so just clean up the meteorite (we have no chance to get back forwards again, and help scientists study the collision), in addition to the space ship can re-use, if meteorites next.
- Is it possible to do experiments at sea before applying them, by we set large ships, to the necessary weight and volume equivalent to the meteorite, then proceed to the combination of doing the same just learn from experience when the manipulation of space (above the basic suggestions, I look forward to working with the scientists to continue the idea and bring peace to our beloved earth . Conec Mr. Dung 01652 396 372 or Email: nguyendung43cb@yahoo.com)