Peggy Whitson, the most experienced astronaut in America, has returned from her fourth flight to space after spending a total of 675 days in orbit. Now serving as the director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space, Whitson recently commanded Axiom’s second human spaceflight mission to and from the International Space Station using a SpaceX Dragon Capsule. In an interview with CNBC’s “Manifest Space” podcast, Whitson discusses her experience as a private astronaut, the commercialization of human spaceflight, and her outlook on the private space economy.
Whitson expresses her excitement about being a part of this changing era of space exploration. She believes that humanity has a purpose in space and that this flight marks a shift in the evolution of that idea. While returning to the space station as a “visitor” was a different perspective for her, she found it interesting to take on the role of mission commander for the launching vehicle.
Working with SpaceX and flying in the Dragon capsule was a thrilling experience for Whitson. She praises the crew interfaces and displays for their integration of data and procedures, which made it easy for her to stay in tune with the vehicle. Landing on water was also a preferred experience compared to landing on the ground.
When asked about the future of human spaceflight, Whitson believes that access will increase for countries and individuals, and the commercial aspects of the space station will attract companies interested in developing products onboard. She sees Axiom’s plan to construct a commercial space station as an opportunity to open up access earlier. As for her future spaceflights, Whitson expresses her hope to be involved in more missions.
As the director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space, Whitson is actively involved in the development of commercial space stations. She enjoys talking to young, innovative engineers and using her experience to help them design and fine-tune their ideas. She also focuses on teaching expeditionary crew skills, which are essential for crew members living in a confined space.
Whitson’s path to becoming an astronaut was not a straight line, but she never gave up on her dream. She was inspired by Neil Armstrong’s moon landing and, after NASA selected the first female astronauts, she realized that it was possible for her to pursue her dream. Despite facing rejection for 10 years, Whitson believes that those years were necessary for her eventual achievements.
When it comes to the coolest thing about being in space, Whitson highlights the experience of going on spacewalks. She describes the awe-inspiring moment when she saw herself in a spacesuit with the Earth and solar arrays in the background.
As for her dream crew for future spaceflights, Whitson prioritizes individuals who are dedicated to being part of a team. To her, the bond between crew members is what makes each mission special.
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