Thanksgiving Greetings from Space!

As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of gratitude isn’t just being felt on Earth but also in the vastness of space! Four NASA astronauts currently residing on the International Space Station (ISS) sent warm wishes for a happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home in a delightful video message.

Heartfelt Messages from the Astronauts

In a joyful two-minute clip released by NASA, astronauts Nick Hague, Don Pettit, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore expressed their heartfelt holiday sentiments. Williams kicked off the message with enthusiasm, saying, “Greetings from the International Space Station! Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family on Earth and everyone who is supporting us.”

Pettit, who shared his thoughts on the theme of Thanksgiving, reflected on the bittersweet nature of being away from loved ones during this family-centric holiday: “Thanksgiving is typically a holiday where family and friends get together. Sometimes that can't happen physically, but in today's age, you can virtually connect with your family and friends.”

A Unique Space Thanksgiving Menu

Adding a touch of humor, Hague opened a special box of space food, presenting the astronauts’ own festive meal. “We've got Brussels —” he began before Pettit chimed in, “There’s sardines!” Hague continued, detailing the space menu that included Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, spiced apples, and smoked turkey. “It's going to be delicious,” he assured viewers.

Gratitude in Zero Gravity

Wilmore added to the festive mood, expressing what the astronauts are thankful for this year. “I mean, there are not many places where you can lay on the ceiling, and this is one of them,” he humorously pointed out, celebrating the unique experience of zero gravity. He went on to emphasize gratitude for their families, the support from friends, and the freedom to express their thoughts and beliefs. “There's so much to be thankful for in this season,” Wilmore emphasized.

A Joyful Conclusion

Concluding the video, the astronauts came together and joyfully exclaimed, “Happy Thanksgiving!” It’s a powerful reminder of the connections that transcend distance, especially during special occasions.

The Astronauts on Expedition 72

Currently on board the ISS as part of Expedition 72, Williams leads this mission alongside Wilmore. They arrived at the station aboard Boeing's new Starliner capsule on June 6. Initially expected to stay for only a week, their mission was extended due to delays with the Starliner's thrusters. NASA later decided to return the Starliner uncrewed to Earth in September. Williams and Wilmore are set to return home next February alongside Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

Celebrating Family and Gratitude from Afar

This Thanksgiving, as we gather with our loved ones, let us also remember the brave astronauts working in orbit, who share their own version of family and gratitude in the great expanse of space.