Moon first, then Mars: a chat with astronaut Jack Fischer

TechFirst with John Koetsier

What is it like to go to space? Today we have a special privilege: we’re talking to an astronaut who has spent 136 days in the International Space Station and completed 2 space walks. He’s also the mission director for the recent Intuitive Machines lunar lander, the first US mission to the moon in more than 50 years. His name is Jack Fischer In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews astronaut Jack Fisher, who spent 136 days on the International Space Station (ISS). Fisher describes the awe-inspiring experience of space travel, emphasizing the different perspective gained from 250 miles up. He humorously recounts adapting to zero gravity and the physical relief it provided for his neck and back. The conversation covers Fisher's role as mission director for the Intuitive Machines lunar lander and space missions' significance. They delve into the technological and cooperative efforts required for future Mars missions, including efficient propulsion and collaboration across industries. Fisher keeps the discussion engaging with anecdotes and enthusiasm for space exploration, highlighting recent advancements and the potential for a lunar economy. 00:00 Liftoff: Journey to Space 01:22 Experiencing Zero Gravity 04:48 Adapting to Space Life 10:57 Mission to the Moon: Intuitive Machines 22:25 Future of Space Exploration 29:48 Making Humanity Multi-Planetary 36:31 Space Movies and Fun