Former NASA astronaut comments on Starship launch in interview with CNN
Astronaut Donald A. Thomas is in Brazil for a series of lectures and commented on how he currently analyzes the space sector. The former NASA employee left the agency in 2007, after going to space on at least three missions with the space shuttle Columbia. The same aircraft that exploded during its return to Earth in 2001, killing all seven crew members.
"These companies are working with NASA on missions to the Moon and, in the future, to Mars. It's not just competition - it's cooperation too", says the astronaut during an exclusive interview with CNN Brasil, about the launch of the Starship rocket.
Thomas, who participated in the Senior Experience event in São Paulo, also believes that Mars is a possible dream: "We are returning to the Moon and preparing for Mars."
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Check out the full interview
CNN Brasil: What does a "Capcom" do at NASA?
Donald A. Thomas: Capcom is short for capsule communicator. Since the first space flights, we have always had an astronaut in the mission control center responsible for communicating directly with the crew in space. I've worked as a Capcom on space shuttle missions, talking to my colleagues in orbit. It's a very engaging job, you feel like you're part of the mission.
CNN Brazil: What are the differences between your missions and Artemis II?
Donald A. Thomas: All my missions were on the Space Shuttle. They lasted about two weeks and, in general, were focused on science, very similar to the work done today on the ISS (International Space Station). At the station, for example, as Marcos Pontes did, astronauts carry out scientific experiments for researchers from Brazil and other countries that took place in Earth's orbit, around 300 km above.
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Donald Thomas, former NASA astronaut
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- Getty Images
CNN Brasil: Do you miss the Space Shuttle?
Donald A. Thomas: Yes, Space Shuttle was an incredible program. There were 135 missions in 30 years, with five to seven launches per year and dozens of astronauts going into space every year. I miss the Space Shuttle, but I like what we're doing now. We are returning to the Moon and preparing for Mars. These are even bigger and more ambitious missions.
CNN Brasil:Today we will have a new Starship flight. What do you think of this new private space race? Have you already entered this market? Is this what will make our trip to Mars possible?
Donald A. Thomas: Today there are many private companies building rockets, such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. These companies are working with NASA on missions to the Moon and, in the future, Mars. It's not just competition - it's cooperation too. There is some competition with China, which aims to take astronauts to the Moon by 2030. This is reminiscent of the old space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. But I believe cooperation would be better. The ISS is an example of this, with many countries working together. I hope that in the future, missions to Mars will be international, representing Earth, not just individual countries.
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SpaceX carried out, on March 14, 2024, the third attempt to launch Starship - Reproduction/X
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Starship's third flight took place on March 14, 2024, in Boca Chica, Texas, in the United States - Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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SpaceX stacks its Starship 25 prototype vehicle atop a Super Heavy booster in mid-October 2023 at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, as the company prepares for its second test flight - SpaceX
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Starship rocket on test platform - Reuters
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Starship rocket launch test, held on March 4, 2024 - Reproduction/X
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Starship rocket in preparation for its fourth test launch, on June 6, 2024 - Reproduction
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Starship rocket launch test, carried out on June 6, 2024 - Reproduction
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CNN Brazil: What makes Artemis II an important milestone?
Donald A. Thomas: Artemis II was an important mission because it inspired a new generation to look at the Moon and space again. When Neil Armstrong reached the Moon in 1969, it inspired me to become an astronaut. Artemis II did something similar: it reignited that enthusiasm around the world. Even though it was a similar mission to others in the past, its biggest impact was to inspire people to look at the stars again.
CNN Brasil: What can Brazil do to advance its space program?
Donald A. Thomas: Brazil has already participated in space missions and had Marcos Pontes as the first Brazilian astronaut in space, which inspired many young people. Space naturally sparks curiosity - microgravity, experiments, the unknown. This is perfect for inspiring students. Investing in science, mathematics and engineering brings long-term returns. I myself was inspired by space when I was young and it changed my life. In the future, young people from Brazil and Latin America can participate in missions to the Moon, build lunar bases or even go to Mars in international teams. The most important thing is to inspire the next generation to believe they can be part of this.
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*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix
Source: CNN