Ret. Astronaut | Adjunct Prof ISU | AWD-Winning Author | STEAM advocate | Speaker | Media: astroclay.com & astronautclaytonanderson.com
Ashland, NE
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This book is AMAZING! Loved by young and old and all in between, it's a great gift idea, anytime!
@SleepingBearBks
#IrisAmaya #Illustrator #SoYouWantToBeAnAstronaut
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I didn't become an astronaut by accident. It took years of hard work, perseverance, and determination (I was rejected 15 times), but I stuck with it. Dreams don't work - unless you do.
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Meant something to me too..., it "reps" the greatest state/people in our Nation!
"Growing up the N always meant something to me.
When I was deployed, you better believe, even if the game was at 1 or 2 am, it didn’t matter.
I wanted to watch the Huskers play."
#GBR | #OperationHatTrick
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Congrats @BarackObama and Michelle! My beautiful bride and I are also celebrating #25YearsAnniversary in November! @astronuts4
Happy 25th anniversary @barackobama. A quarter of a century later, you're still my best friend & the most extraordinary man I know. I 💕 you.
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The N’s were given to me by Coach Osborne, specifically to take into space. They were used in various ways. One was “on” me for all 6 of my spacewalks! Now some have “come home,” and now you know! #GoBigRed #ILoveNebraska #Nebrastronaut™️
Out of this world!
@Astro_Clay just stopped by Memorial Stadium with a special gift: @HuskerFBNation helmet 'N' stickers from SPACE
The stickers spent 152 days in orbit at the International Space Station back in 2007 and now reside on a helmet in our north stadium lobby!
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#OutBoastKanye I've been to space... for real!
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Astronaut Bruce McCandless died 3 years ago today, but he continues inspiring millions of people with one of NASA's most iconic shots.
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Senator @TedCruz has an idea on how to fund President @realDonaldTrump's proposed border wall... Make El Chapo pay for it! Join the fight --> action.tedcruz.org/el-chapo/
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Happy Birthday #ValentinaTereshkova..., #RussianCosmonaut 84 today! First woman in space. #WomansHistoryMonth #Vostok6
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This clip does NOT make me proud of my home state. Pls fix this @UNLincoln. Nebraska's Astronaut sprts Constitution/Conservative Principles.
Freedom and limited government now deemed propaganda at UNL? Wow. facebook.com/TomiLahren/vide…
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#RIP my friend..., I continue to stand on the shoulders of humans like you..., the shoulders of giants.
The world has lost another Apollo era legend. Ken Mattingly, the Apollo 16 and Shuttle astronaut left us on October 31.
Ken’s contributions to the field of spaceflight were nothing short of extraordinary. Our most sincere condolences go out to his friends and family.
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WATCH: If @BetoORourke’s own El Paso constituents couldn’t trust him then, why would the rest of Texas trust him now? I choose @tedcruz for #TXSen! #ChooseCruz
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Today in 07 I woke up to this beautiful view. I would eat a small breakfast, pull on my diaper, bid my family and planet Earth farewell, & get strapped in on top of that rocket. On a wonderfully clear, calm Florida afternoon, I blasted off to space as part of the STS-117 crew
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#NationalAstronautDay is not about astronauts... it's about inspiring you to chase your dreams. #Inspiration May 5th, 2017.
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Wishing @HuskerFootball an out-of-this-world season!
#GoBigRed #Huskers @Nebraska247 @BR_Cornhuskers @GitRDoneLarry @CornhuskersWire @adamcarriker94 @HuskerManagers @Nebraska @HuskerFBRecruit @GoBigRedCast
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Maybe not at Christmas, but I “hear ya…!” #GBR
Wife: When you were a kid did your family take Christmas themed pictures for Christmas cards?
Me: Something like that
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If memory serves, Greg Sharpe’s calls of @HuskerFootball reached the #ISS a few times in 2007! Thank you sir, for “bringing me home!” #GoBigRed
Today's the day.
Greg Sharpe has had August 31 circled since his cancer diagnosis in April.
@BTNJourney profiles the legendary voice of the @Huskers' path to the booth for @HuskerFootball's season opener.
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26 years ago, after 15 tries and 14 disappointments, I was finally selected as an NASA astronaut!
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Keep 'em comin' @RexChapman ! More of this internet!
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And with each difficult loss, THIS #Astronaut will say, “Thank you for leading the way. I stand on the shoulders of giants…, true giants.” #RIP #FrankBorman
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Happy Birthday Freddo!!
Please join us in extending warm birthday wishes to #Apollo13 Lunar Module Pilot, Astronaut Fred Haise, born #OTD, November 14, 1933.
#happybirthday Fredo!
forallmankind.de
contactlight.de
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Talk about your "legacy graduation!" 1983 and 2017, in front of the same tree and ISU's Hilton Coliseum. Tree's a bit bigger, but the photos tell the story! @isufoundation @IowaStateU
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Is Superman flying around it backwards again?!
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17 years ago today I had just completed my first spacewalk! Our EVA –extra-vehicular activity-- outside with my Russian Commander Fyodor Yurchikin lasted a whopping 7 hrs and 41 minutes. I was a “passenger” onboard the amazing CanadArm2, cherrypicking at the hands of first-time arm pilot, Russian Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (By the way, this was the first time in HISTORY, that the arm was piloted solo, by a Russian Cosmonaut). We completed the EVA with zero mistakes while creating two physical satellites in the process. The VSSA Stanchion holder, and the Early Ammonia Servicer, named Nebraska 1 and Nebraska 2 by Fyodor, showed his empathetic contribution to my heritage... and my love... for all things Nebraska. #GoBigRed
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Landing day 2010, April 20 after 15 successful days in space. I did NOT puke this time! #Discovery #STS131 #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️
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54 years ago today humanity took its first step onto the Moon. I was but a lad, yet I remember that historic day so well. The significance of the Moon landing extended far beyond scientific and technological achievements. It served as a symbol of unity and hope during a time of global tensions. The images broadcast back to Earth from the lunar surface connected people from all corners of the world, transcending borders and reminding us that we are all part of the same human family. We need more of that today.
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#RIP Dr. Christopher Kraft. You were a true leader for this nation and our world. So glad you were able to witness #Apollo50th... we felt your presence everywhere. #Godspeed and thank you.
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I would like to add here some Kudos for @PettitFrontier for his work during @astro_Pettit's expedition. Having a grown child to spearhead the journey is advantageous for ALL space lovers. Congrats Pettit family for an amazing journey!
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One of the biggest misconceptions people have about space travel is not realizing just how difficult it is. Movies – and NASA and SpaceX-- make space travel seem easy, but it is anything but.
The things we are doing in space today…, sending astronauts to the space station, telescopes into deep space, putting landers on the Moon..., all of these things are incredibly difficult to pull off and the general public doesn't realize how much time, effort, and taxpayer dollars go into making these things happen correctly and safely. With so many variables that could easily cause hiccups, along with operating in a very hostile and foreign environment - it's an incredible feat that we can accomplish all that we do! And, the “bang” for the taxpayer buck is actually quite good, when compared to other expenditures. But that’s another post (or a previous one!).
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Just learned of the passing of astronaut John Young. So honored to have been able to learn from his experience. A true American hero. #RIPJohnYoung
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You might not think so, but performing a spacewalk is an exhausting task, both physically and mentally. Spacesuits are pressurized, like a balloon, so every move is a fight to push against the pressure and bulkiness of the suit, particularly when using your hands. Spacewalking gloves consist of multiple layers; combining that with 8 hours of opening and closing your hands while making repairs on the space station often results in raw skin, bleeding, and even fingernail loss. I often remarked that practicing spacewalks in the “pool” was more physically exhausting. Performing one in outer space was mentally exhausting. It surprised me how tired and exhausted I felt after my first spacewalk - but I'd go again in a second!
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Today marks 21 years of continuous human presence on the International @Space_Station. I am honored and so privileged to have played a small role in what has become the most successful international partnership in human history.
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What a great memory with the #STS120 crew. @Astro_Wheels and I had some great laughs!
Landing Special for #ShuttleSunday
STS-120 - Shuttle Discovery - her 34th mission.
Opens with this unique photo. Shuttle Discovery out of the HAC and through the low clouds for final approach and landing at SLF Runway 33.
📷United Space Alliance (USA) engineer.
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Hey @AnnCoulter I know you are WAAAAYYYY too smart to vote for Kamala/Biden ticket.
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This week in 2010, I was onboard Space Shuttle Discovery as it took off for the program’s final night launch and its longest flight ever. Check out our mission poster. What character would I be?
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What is the most severe injury to have ever happened to astronauts on the ISS?
I don't know if you can qualify the inability to urinate as a "severe injury," but to my knowledge that is the most serious thing I can think of as having occurred in space. Upon reaching orbit, it is critical astronauts void their bladders. With the lack of gravity causing your "I have to pee" sensors to behave less reliably than they do on Earth, you may not think you have to go. But after having sat on the launch pad for a couple of hours, with your last shot at taking a leak being the bathroom at the 195-foot level of the launch tower, many Astros are "ready to void" eight minutes and thirty-some seconds after launch. But their bodies may not tell them that.
In a particular instance that I know of, one of our astronauts required the use of a Foley catheter after reaching orbit (we are trained to perform this procedure safely, and actually on ourselves if needed). The insertion of this catheter lets the astronaut empty the bladder and ultimately "get back to normal" a few days later. It did cause some hiccups on a scheduled spacewalk, so I would classify that as pretty serious. Overall, the ISS is a pretty safe place, with scrapes, head bumps on handrails, and minor burns being the typical injuries.
If you enjoy these types of questions, I encourage you to check out my book "It's a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut's Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions."
📖 👉 amzn.to/49rCRh9
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Beautiful shot Antonio. Here's mine from ISS. Folks can see our perspectives are pretty similar. #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️
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More of this #Internet! Keep ‘em comin’ @RexChapman!
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Hey @WilliamShatner... give me a holler if you need any space advice! Oh, and I know a guy w/experience... ;0) #Godspeed my friend!
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For Space Helmet Reflection Saturday, here's an @Astro_Clay work... maybe slightly less classy as the amazing Pat Rawlings, but an original, nonetheless! #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️ #Nebrastronaut™️
Space Helmet Reflection Saturday salutes you. Here’s a 1989 Pat Rawlings work. Thanks to @borgposting for this one.
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True dat! Thanks for the shout out! #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️
NASA engineer named Clayton Anderson spent 15 years trying to become an astronaut, being rejected 14 times before finally being selected in 1998.
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Does NASA have a plan for an astronaut who goes “rogue” in space?
The likelihood of that happening, with all the mental and psychological testing an astronaut goes through, is very slim. But…, anything is possible, I guess.
While I don’t recall any training classes that covered this subject, my understanding is that it DID occur, at least once, on a shuttle flight. The “plan” then was that the the “rogue astro” was restrained (with duct tape) and then offered medication (think “something calming”) as dictated by the ground control team (the Flight Surgeon). If they refused the meds orally, an injection could be given. I have also been told this is similar to military protocols. After all that chaos, the mission commander and flight surgeon would determine the next steps – which might include aborting the mission and sending the crew home.
This specific incident did lead to a new procedure…, putting a lock on the shuttle’s middeck hatch. That WAS something I trained for and was responsible for executing during our STS-131 mission. Fortunately, no one even came close to touching that locking system!
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One of THE most favorite—and important— parts of the job for me. #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️ #Nebrastronaut™️
This is more important than some folk may appreciate.
Shuttle astros would often visit the OPFs (Orbiter Processing Facilities) to talk to the Shuttle engineers. The same happens with SpaceX Crew Dragons.
A tradition, but reminds the engineers what they are fighting for.
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The 6.2 million gallons of water NBL at the Johnson Space Center, was our training facility for spacewalks. While it IS a great way to practice, there are some big differences that became quite evident to me when I performed my first real spacewalk. First, when oriented upside down in the pool, all of the blood rushes to your head (thank you gravity). Your shoulders are pushed down into the Hard Upper Torso (HUT) of the suit, meaning your shoulders supported your entire body weight! In space, none of that happens- every direction feels the same, as you are weightless inside your suit. If your fit is good, in theory, your body just floats inside.
The second difference is - it takes a bit of time to get your speed going in the pool, since the water offers some resistance. Yet, it's pretty easy to stop. In space, it's the opposite – a simple push gets you going, but you’d better be ready to grab something (or crash into something!) if you want to stop! Something called momentum!
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We still don't know a lot about black holes, but scientists think small black holes formed when the universe began. The size of a black hole can vary from as small as an atom to 'supermassive.' To give you an idea, this is a supermassive black hole (part of S5 0014+81)compared to our solar system 😳
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Landing a space shuttle was a huge challenge, and though it may have looked similar - it's NOTHING like landing an airplane. In addition to virtual training, NASA decided Shuttle pilots needed real-world training. However, since no such aircraft existed, they had to make (simulate) one…, so four Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA’s) were created. Using existing aircraft (a Grumman Gulfstream 2), NASA modified the left-seat cockpit to simulate the Shuttle CDR (left-seat) cockpit, including the associated decreased visibility. Yet, unlike an airplane, the Shuttles lacked the atmospheric engines that would allow a plane to 'go around' on a poor or dangerous approach. The Shuttle didn't have a 'go around' and 'try again' feature - it was a very heavy glider and therefore only had one shot to land. To simulate the Shuttles glide slope characteristics, the aircraft would fly with the landing gear extended and the engines in full reverse thrust! There was a common saying that the Shuttle flew "like a brick." As a #BabyAstronaut early in my training, I looked for opportunities to ride in the STA while shuttle pilots and commanders practiced their approaches. With a headset on, I was able to hear, and then feel, what it would be like for real one day. A valuable training experience, I guess I should have laid on my back for a few, since that’s how I made my first real shuttle landing.
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Internet... much more of THIS! #Hilarious
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For those that truly know this man @GitRDoneLarry --and his wife-- we know the size of their hearts, the strength of their faith, and their love for humankind. So very proud to call them friends.
Gitrdonefoundation.org RT @BBakerhooch: @GitRDoneLarry @Madonnarehab This place is amazing! Thank you! Since getting here my son has been soooo happy! The staff is incredible!Only surprised by no @Moonpie in the vending machine LOL
Thank you! #GBR
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The grand finale of the Space Shuttle Program took place today in 2011 when Shuttle Atlantis launched into space, and this amazing era of spaceflight came to a close. I took my first ride to space on Atlantis in 2007 and you can still see her today enjoying retirement at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This display/exhibit is incredibly well done.
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Rejection is hard, but it happens to everyone. I never got a rejection letter until I achieved my first interview in year (try) number 13. This one hurt, but it said I was “highly qualified!” I was ready to try again! Knowing solidly what my dream was, I refused to give up. Remember that it's okay to feel discouraged, but turn those feelings into motivation. Then go reach your goals! (And how the heck did this letter find its way into a book called “Rejection Letters?” I should get some royalties…, or at least they could have asked my permission! ;0)
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This incredible timelapse photo was taken by @Astro_Christina, it's actually 400 photos taken over a span of 11 minutes.
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Big day today in my hometown @AshlandNE as HS men’s basketball team goes for Class C-1 Championship! #TotalMissionSuccess is the goal, and win or lose I am SO very proud of you! #RaiseTheBar @GoBluejays1
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Help me "#SaveTheSuit" for the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, @AshlandNE! sacmuseum.org
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#GodBlessColumbia
I want everyone reading this to understand just how brave the STS-107 crew and their families truly are. Clearly knowing the risks, these seven pioneers moved forward with focused determination and joyful hearts, anticipating the wonders and discoveries they were going to experience in a place that so few ever come to know. With the courageous support of their loved ones, they ventured into their lifetime dream of flying into space.
I ask that you continue to pray for the families and friends of Columbia’s crew and for the entire NASA family. Please know that Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Kalpana Chawla, Dave Brown, Michael Anderson, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon were my friends, my colleagues, and my heroes.
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There is NO ONE…, I repeat, NO ONE more proud to be an #American than me. Wearing our flag on my left shoulder meant the world to me. #HappyFourthofJuly!
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You know, I raised my children to understand that it's NEVER ok to destroy someone's property, no matter the reason. Get a grip #Ferguson
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Not sure what I paid, but I want to thank all the U S taxpayers who helped me get to space.
On this day in 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist, launching aboard Soyuz TM-32 in this Sokol KV-2 spacesuit. Tito paid a reported $20 million for his nearly eight-day spaceflight, which included six days on the International Space Station. #AirSpacePhoto
ALT Russian Soul spacesuit photographed against a black background.
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I think seeing the space station for the first time in space is a pivotal moment for any astronaut. It's such an incredible piece of engineering work that shines so brightly against the blackness of space…, it almost takes your breath away. While Astronauts train with a life-size mock-ups of the Space Station (in both the United States and Russia), one is underwater in the pool where we practice spacewalks. In space, I was blown away when I saw how vibrant, shiny, and captivating she is!
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You might know that astronauts use tortillas instead of bread in space (for a variety of reasons, mostly to reduce crumbs). But do you know who is responsible for the tortillas we use? You might be surprised that it's Taco Bell. Yep. NASA attempted to make long-lasting tortillas, but after a couple of months they lost their taste, became dry and crumbly (a big no no). What to do? Go to the king of long shelf life food - the fast food industry, of course. Enter Taco Bell who made a tortilla that has a shelf life of up to a year, and NASA was in business. And I can vouch that they taste pretty good, my favorite tortilla creation was to wrap it around meatloaf and enjoy a delicious meatloaf sandwich! However, even with the impressive current shelf life of the space tortilla, that won't cut it for long duration missions to Mars and beyond... hopefully Taco Bell is already working on that one too!
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Honored to have seen her displayed for the first time… and have her carry me into space. My first bowel movement in zero g… ahhhh, the memories! #Atlantis #STS117
It's been almost 10 years since Space Shuttle Atlantis opened its doors at the visitor complex. Celebrate this milestone anniversary with us on Thursday, June 29 with in-person panels from veteran NASA astronauts. Submit your questions now using hashtag #Atlantis10
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After returning from space after five months on the ISS, I wasn't sure if/when I would get to fly again. But one day –about three years later--I did get the call I had waited for. Usually, your astronaut boss makes the call, but in this case Steve Lindsey asked me to visit him in his office. Usually, this meant I was in trouble. His first words were, "Hey Clay, do you want a flight?" Not being too sure of what he was suggesting, I replied with “… where, to Ohio or someplace?” He was not amused as he said, “No…, back to the ISS with the crew of STS-131 on Discovery.” Well, at this point he had my undivided attention! Naming off my potential crewmates, I felt blessed. They were all quality individuals, and I had flown with a few of them already. And the mission duration was only going to be a couple of weeks. The mission also included 3 more spacewalks. That was all quite plausible from my family’s perspective. I'm so glad I could experience both long and short-term missions; I wouldn't trade the experiences for anything - especially the day this photo was taken! I’m on an EVA with crewmate Rick Mastracchio, as we tackled the replacement of an ISS Ammonia Tank. Hmmm, I guess I have this “thing” for ammonia?! ;0)
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For those who wonder about my “loyalty...,” don’t! #GBR #Discovery #Nebrastronaut So proud to be from the great Midwest of the USA!
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Wishing all a great #GoodFriday, regardless of your religious persuasion. A few pics to help get a good start...
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Bummer... only 8 out of 10..., I'll keep working for perfection. After all, I'm #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️ and #Perseverance is my thing! #Fifteen
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I LOVE climate! Makes me feel warm, sometimes cool... it's great. nitter.app/countermoonbat/status/…
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Great #Astronaut, but even better #Human. Read how he helped my family when I landed from #ISS. Mom had cancer; he allowed me to be with her one more time before she was gone. Thanks #JerryRoss #TheOrdinarySpaceman™️
#HappyBirthday to ASE Life Member Jerry Ross, who flew to space seven times between 1985 and 2002 (STS-61-B, STS-27, STS-37, STS-55, STS-74, STS-88, and STS-110) as part of trips to Mir and the @Space_Station!
ALT Official portrait of Jerry Ross
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I stand on their shoulders. To me, these are the REAL astronauts. Thanks to them for their courage.
#OTD April 9 1959
First group of US astronauts announced
"The Mercury Seven"
Shepard, Grissom, Cooper, Schirra,
Slayton, Glenn, Carpenter.
contactlight.de
forallmankind.de
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It's easy to get consumed with daily life and forget how special our planet is. This famous photo, Earthrise, was taken from the Moon today in 1968 by William “Bill” Anders, and remains one of the most amazing photos of all time.
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Thanks dad…, for your dedicated service to our GREAT country. #USNavy #GunnersMateSecondClass @AshlandNE #GodBlessAmerica
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Godspeed to the members of the Axiom 3 crew (#Ax3), the third private spaceflight to the International Space Station via the partnership between NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom.
Flights like this one continue to illustrate the accelerating rise of commercial spaceflight. These missions are indeed exciting, and I continue to be in (cautious) support of private spaceflight (and extremely jealous!), private hotels, lunar bases, Mars bases…, all of it. However, there is one thing we still need to figure out; how to combat the radiation environment associated with deep spaceflight. When any human goes into space, and travels outside of the Earth's protective atmosphere, those humans are exposed to extreme levels of radiation.
NASA –as you would expect-- has limits in place for how much radiation an astronaut is allowed to absorb (and those limits differ for a male and a female), but a trip to Mars or a 6-month lunar stay far exceeds those numbers. But do not fret citizens… there is good news to be had. Given that we are still in the infancy of commercial spaceflight, we have some time to figure out the best methodologies for protecting human space travelers in the long term. Short term flights, like Ax3, are no problem - we've been there and done that, but eventually, we’ve got to come up with clever ways to mitigate the effects of the radiation exposure expected during long term, deep space missions.
Ax-3 is scheduled to launch on January 18th at 4:49pm(E)
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Ron... please consider making a toast to #NationalAstronautsDay... I prefer a nice Cabernet! @GitRDoneLarry
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