Colonel Chris Hadfield discusses the Artemis II mission!
·8 min
The episode focuses on the Artemis II mission's splashdown, with hosts Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman interviewing former astronaut Chris Hadfield. Hadfield is introduced as an expert to explain the re-entry process. He immediately highlights that re-entry is the second most dangerous phase of the flight, especially since it's the first time the Orion spacecraft has carried people. Hadfield notes the crew will face extreme heat, with the vehicle re-entering at unprecedented speeds from 400,000 kilometers away. He describes the physical experience, comparing it to going from weightlessness to being crushed by four times one's body weight. The segment covers the technical aspects, including jettisoning the European service module and the 30-minute timeline from re-entry to splashdown. Hadfield emphasizes the crew's preparedness, noting three are former fighter pilots and Christina Koch has nearly a year in space. He addresses emotional aspects, stating the crew feels no trepidation due to decades of training. Hadfield contrasts this with public perception, arguing spaceflight is joyful and magnificent, not grim as often portrayed in movies. The conversation touches on risks, with Hadfield expressing confidence in the heat shield and testing. He concludes by promoting his book, 'Final Orbit,' which details his own experiences. The episode wraps with show credits and scheduling information.
