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What was the most difficult thing that you experienced during your stay in orbit? |
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There was never one thing that was extremely difficult. There were different challenges along the way. Certainly the food shortage was unpleasant. We already knew that there wasn't much drinking water or food left when we got to the station, but we thought the supply would last until end of December, the Progress supply vehicle arrived. Then we realized that food was actually running out much more quickly than expected, and by mid-November, we received the first instruction to reduce food consumption. The other crew member, Salizhan Sharipov, and I ended up losing about 10 pounds in five to six weeks. Certainly, the food shortage was unpleasant. |
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How was the teamwork with Salizhan? |
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Actually it was very easy, mostly because Saliz and I are both kind of flexible and easygoing, and also the station is quite large for two people. I spent a lot of my time working in the American module, and he would stay in the Russian segment working on his things, and we'd meet up at meal times. So it actually worked out very well. |
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What can you tell us about the Soyuz launch and landing, which is kind of different? |
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Yes, quite different, a very reliable spacecraft, very interesting spacecraft, but as you say quite different. It's very small inside. You're cramped up with your knees at your chest. But the systems are very simple and reliable, and also the launch was very smooth on the solid rocket booster.
Coming down under a parachute is quite different as well. You hit the ground pretty hard, but all the systems work very well to keep it from hurting, so it doesn't even hurt when you hit. It was a great experience to be able to do both. |
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Fortunately, I was able to celebrate the success of your flight with you, as I was in Russia for language training when you returned to Moscow. |
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Oh, it was wonderful to meet you back in Star City just hours after landing. It was great to see my family and friends, and we had a good celebration that evening. I'm just really glad that you were in Star City. |
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(Courtesy of NASA) |
(Courtesy of NASA) |
(Courtesy of NASA) |
(Courtesy of NASA) |
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