In a podcast episode titled "Neil deGrasse Tyson Chats with International Space Station Astronauts Christina Koch & Jessica Meir," the host had a live conversation with two astronauts currently stationed on the International Space Station. During the conversation, they discussed various topics related to space exploration, including the experiments they are conducting, such as growing lettuce and studying combustion. They also talked about the importance of variety in their diets and the need to develop closed-loop systems for growing food and incorporating protein sources. Additionally, they discussed the possibility of lab-grown meat for future space travel.
The conversation also touched on the potential for a self-sustaining Mars colony and the need to develop technologies to support it. The astronauts discussed the role of robotics and artificial intelligence in space exploration and how they can complement humans in the mission. They also talked about the overview effect, which is the idea that seeing Earth from space can lead to a greater sense of unity and cooperation among people. They believe that space exploration can serve as an example of how people can work together for the greater good of humanity.
The astronauts also discussed the challenges of living in zero gravity, including motion sickness, and how they are prepared to deal with it. Overall, the conversation provided insights into the current state of space exploration and the potential for future developments in the field.