Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are gearing up for a Thanksgiving celebration that blends tradition with the realities of life in orbit. This year’s festivities will be particularly special, as the arrival of three new crew members – NASA’s Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev – is timed perfectly with the holiday.
Soyuz MS-28 Mission and Arrival Timing
The Soyuz MS-28 mission is scheduled to launch on November 26th at 4:27 a.m. EST (0927 GMT). If all goes as planned, the crew will dock with the ISS just three hours later, at 7:38 a.m. EST, joining the existing team in time for a Thanksgiving meal. The launch will be broadcast live on Space.com, allowing viewers to witness this unique intercontinental arrival.
A Menu Beyond Earthly Expectations
The ISS crew isn’t settling for standard space rations. Veteran astronaut Mike Fincke showcased the Thanksgiving spread, including Russian-made cranberry sauce, a nod to the international collaboration that defines the station. The menu extends far beyond turkey and gravy. Zena Cardman, on her first spaceflight, highlighted a surprisingly diverse menu: turkey, mashed potatoes, crab meat, salmon, and even lobster.
“Food is a really important part of everyday life up here, and staying happy and healthy,” Cardman added. “We share a lot of meals, and so this one is just going to be extra special.”
This emphasis on quality food isn’t mere indulgence. Maintaining morale and well-being in the extreme environment of space requires small comforts, and familiar meals play a crucial role. The fact that NASA’s food lab meticulously prepares these specialized holiday bags underscores the psychological importance of routine and tradition for astronauts.
Celebrating Across Cultures
The ISS isn’t just a scientific outpost; it’s a microcosm of global cooperation. Astronaut Jonny Kim emphasized that Thanksgiving is an opportunity for reflection and gratitude, while Kimiya Yui of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) noted that, despite the holiday not being a tradition in his home country, he embraces the spirit of “respect and appreciation” it embodies.
The ISS has historically operated with a degree of separation between U.S. and Russian sides, but crews frequently share meals and collaborate on tasks, suggesting a unified Thanksgiving celebration is likely.
Expedition 73 and Future Plans
Expedition 73 began in April and will conclude later this year. While NASA hasn’t announced the return date for the current U.S.-Japanese crew, their departure will follow the integration of the new arrivals from the Soyuz MS-28 mission. The ongoing success of ISS operations, marked by this holiday celebration, is a testament to the power of international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
This Thanksgiving in space is more than just a meal. It represents human adaptability, the enduring need for tradition, and the unique challenges and rewards of life beyond Earth.
