Astronaut Don Pettit's First Spaceflight was Crazy - And He's Still Flying!

The story of Don Pettit's first flight into space was wild, he only got the slot after another astronaut had to drop out because of medical conditions. He flew up on a space shuttle for a 4 month stay, but just before he was set to return the Columbia disaster grounded the shuttle fleet.
His ride home was a new upgraded Soyuz, one that had been intended to fly Lance Bass, a member of the 'boy band' *NSYNC - but that deal fell apart due to funding issues.
The spacecraft had an error on the way home and Don was almost crushed by cargo he'd smuggled on board.

Now he's back for a 4th time, at the ripe old age of 69.

Nice!

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[gregswank]

Can you imagine being on the ISS when the Columbia disaster happened? Not only did some of your coworkers just die on the job, but you also have the uncertainty of how and when you're going to be able to return. That's a very stressful situation.

[PettitFrontiers]

Don is my father, thank you for making this video and sharing his story and this rare footage too!

[masonkubecka]

I met him in his office at Johnson space center. I was still in high school at the time and the only reason I knew of him, was because of smarter everyday. I remember him talking about experiments he wanted to do, his hobby’s, and just talking so far above my head. The guy is a genius. Thanks for making this video to not only learn something but to reminisce.

[awilliams]

if you ask me, practical science like that is important because the public can relate to it. I think it's amazing

[ugthefluffster]

every time I hear a story about an astronaut it turns out they are an absolute legend. truly the best of humanity

[royb.]

Omg those Sat Morn tapes are such a treasure! The CD player gyroscope stable flashlight was incredible. I didnt realize I used to have that same CD player in that color when I was a kid during this time.

[NorthernSeaWitch]

I'm pretty sure he had a lot to say about that ballistic reentry when he was talking to the mission controllers. You might say he had a lot to get off his chest.

I'll see myself out.

[donjones]

I was amazed when I looked him up a couple of weeks ago and saw his age. Damn, he makes me feel lazy. But then all of the astronaut bios make us ordinary people look lazy.

[cptjeff]

I met a recently retired astronaut who shall remain unnamed last year in a small post conference happy hour group, and one of the things that came up in the conversation was the radioactive boy scout story- where a high school kid built a working nuclear reactor in his garage out of scrap radioactive materials like radium watch dials and americium sources in smoke detectors. It ended with a raid by a very confused FBI.

The astronaut I was talking to had not heard about this guy, and he said his first reaction was to wonder if the kid had in fact been Don Pettit.

[grandpamao]

I’m just imagining modern don flying back with the crushing weight of a single 1TB microSD card on his chest

[jeffk]

Don Pettit - an astronaut’s astronaut. He kind of reminds me of “McGyver in space”.

[qwertzuiop]

What an absolut legend, going to Space at almost 70 yrs old. I can only hope to be as fit as he is at that age

[kaysb]

I love watching interviews with Don Pettit. High up on the list of favorite science communicators and a real geek. He was active on reddit for a while, posting his own pictures and answering questions.

[Indiskret]

What a wonderful story and episode! So very appreciated, Scott!

[remaincalm]

Thank you for telling this story. Don is certainly dedicated to his job, more so than most people on Earth. You could say he goes above and beyond for his love of science and making it accessible to a wide audience. What an amazing and long career he's had.

[DemosIoannou]

Pettit and Kononenko write history !
Legends.

[JoeJoeTater]

Don Pettit is probably my favorite astronaut. I loved Saturday Morning Science. It played a part in my love of physics and mechanical engineering. I'm super excited to see what he comes up with!

[acanuck]

Scott Manley, your videos (and the features you share with us all) are the most creative programs (and often the most-well-researched, as well) that are available on line. Thank you for this one--it was terrific.

[ThomasShumard]

Thanks Scott for telling this story with your signature, succent and engaging manner...and still holding the punchline to the end. You and Don are my inspiration for the day...maybe all week...all year...for ever...

[baomao]

Lashing together 3 (orthogonal) floating CD players to created a gyroscopically-stabilized mount. Sweet.