Jonny Kim, NASA’s first Korean American astronaut, will launch aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft on April 8. He is wrapping up final training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Speaking in a virtual press conference from NASA’s Houston Space Center on the 19th, he spoke about his mission goals.
Kim emphasized that this International Space Station (ISS) mission isn’t just about space travel—it’s about scientific research and inspiring future generations. “NASA has many people working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure mission success. Being part of that effort means a lot,” he said.
Advancing Scientific Research in Space
A key goal of the mission is to carry out experiments developed by Ph.D. students worldwide. These studies, which have taken years to refine, will be conducted on the ISS. The crew will send the results back to Earth, contributing to scientific advancements.
Kim is especially focused on studying how long-term space travel affects the human body. “Scott Kelly’s twin study provided valuable insights into how space affects the body,” he said. “Now, we’ll build on that by tracking blood samples, bone density, and other physiological changes.”
Preparing for a Spacewalk
Kim is also looking ahead to a spacewalk (EVA). The crew expects to replace ISS solar panels, making an EVA highly likely. “A spacewalk is one of the most exciting moments of a mission,” Kim said. However, the final schedule may change depending on conditions in orbit.
Collaborating with Russian Cosmonauts
Kim will fly with Russian cosmonauts Aleksei Zubritsky and Sergei Ryzhikov. Together, they are finalizing safety drills and emergency protocols for the ISS, as well as getting familiar with equipment.
He also highlighted the importance of U.S.-Russia teamwork in space, particularly as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz program. “The word ‘Soyuz’ means ‘union’ in Russian—it’s fitting. More than anything, the ISS proves that science rises above borders for the good of all,” he said.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
