Chris Hadfield on how math is used on the ISS

2013-02-20 - Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield took part in today's NASA Social event, which featured a live video stream from the International Space Station to NASA headquarters in Washington, DC. In this excerpt, he answers how math is used on Station.

Credits: Canadian Space Agency and NASA

[Gazzar]

I actually think her question was perfectly reasonable and intelligent, and the audience should not have laughed - from the perspective of a young child being taught mathematics in school it's a fair question to find out whether she might need it to be an astronaut one day, if that's what she wants to be when she grows up. Good luck to her!

[Adamsutch]

I see no possible, comprehensible reason why anyone would dislike this video!

[SparkyDiesAlot]

They laughed because she said "How do you use math in space?" Not "What is math used for?"

[Anayar]

Omg guys they laughed because her question was cute and also because the astronauts looked confused because they didn’t hear her

[haldal]

dude. I'm 40 and Chris is pretty much my hero too. A hero is someone you look up to and aspire to be more like. Someone who teaches you and makes you grow as a human being. They don't all have capes and masks

[venturation]

Not sure why everyone laughed at her, very reasonable question I thought.

[mannys]

I kinda frowned when everyone laughed at the question, just because I asked MANY, MANY funny questions at that age and I thought they were GREAT! I hope that little girl isn't hurt in anyway and continues to be inspired by the people and world around her.

[RMunderscore]

I think they laughed as I heard "How do you use meth in space?"

[tylerguillemin]

Im going to assume that Chris Hadfield has to be the most liked person on Earth (well when he gets back here at least). He is just an amazing human being and we should all look up to him (no pun intended lol).

[nanumneyum]

Very good question from the little one.

[Popebug]

They're not gonna laugh at her when she becomes an astronaut in twenty years.

[kuledrumergie]

Chris in high school trig class: Ugh, when are we ever going to use math like this in real life?
Chris on the ISS: Oh...

[hlab]

I can confirm this. I learned more math on YouTube than I ever did at school.

[dylanevans]

The kids like 'shit, i do have to do my math homework'

[Madmonkeydane]

I'm 23 & I have heroes. You're never too old to have a hero

[HilaryPea]

She asked a very smart question for her age. I think the audience laughed out of surprise than out of meanness. Questions like that are cute when coming from somebody young and adorable. I think that question should have gotten her extra credit in school for critical thinking and creativity.

[aadigupte]

i really want Chris Hadfield to be the best astronaut of all times

[qwertyismymom]

even I laughed but that was actually a good question

[somegalfromcan]

You're never too old to have heroes!

[NinjaBadger]

Right when are these lectures on and how can I watch them when they ate happening ?? I'd be very obliged if someone knew