Summary of "The Moth" Podcast Episode: Michael Massimino – A View of the Earth

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy introduces Michael Massimino, a seasoned NASA astronaut, who recounts his profound journey from aspiring astronaut to a pivotal mission aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Michael's story, delivered live in New York in 2012, delves deep into themes of perseverance, camaraderie, and the awe-inspiring perspective gained from space.

Pursuing a Dream: From Inspiration to Action

Michael begins by sharing the spark that ignited his astronaut aspirations. In 1984, as a senior in college, he watched The Right Stuff, which left a lasting impression on him.

"I wanted to see that view. And secondly, the camaraderie between the original seven astronauts depicted in that movie… I wanted to be part of an organization like that." (02:07)

Determined to realize his boyhood dream, Michael pursued graduate studies at MIT with the goal of joining NASA. His journey was marked by persistence, as he faced multiple rejections before finally securing his place as an astronaut in 1996.

The Mission: Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Hubble Repair

Thirteen years later, on May 17, 2009, Michael found himself aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, preparing for a critical spacewalk to repair a malfunctioning instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope. This instrument was essential for detecting atmospheres of distant planets, a key to discovering potentially habitable worlds.

"Our task that day was to repair an instrument that had failed… It was used by scientists to detect the atmospheres of far-off planets." (02:55)

The Challenge: Stripped Screw and Rising Tensions

As Michael commenced the repair, he encountered an unforeseen obstacle: a stripped screw that jeopardized the entire mission. The access panel, secured with 117 screws, had one that refused to budge, threatening the success of the repair and, symbolically, the quest to find life beyond Earth.

"I look closer, and I realize it's stripped. And I realize that that handrail is not coming off, which means I can't get to the access panel… we're not going to be able to fix this instrument today." (08:30)

This moment was fraught with anxiety, as Michael grappled with the weight of potential failure and its implications for scientific discovery and his personal legacy.

Solitude in Space: Overcoming Fear and Loneliness

Isolated in the vast expanse of space, Michael faced profound loneliness and fear. The absence of reliable handrails made navigation treacherous, amplifying his anxieties about drifting into the void.

"I felt detached from the Earth. I felt that I was by myself, and everything that I knew and loved and that made me feel comfortable was far away." (11:20)

The darkness and cold of space intensified his sense of isolation, but Michael's resolve began to strengthen as he focused on the task at hand.

A Beacon of Friendship: Support from Earth

Amidst the struggle, Michael experienced a heartening moment of connection with his colleague, Drew Feustel, known affectionately as Bueno. Through a silent exchange, Drew's supportive gestures rekindled Michael's determination and reminded him of the camaraderie that had inspired his journey.

"Bueno was looking at me like, 'Don't look at me…I just want to say, no, we're okay. You just hang in there a little bit longer.'" (15:00)

This exchange epitomized the bond between astronauts, echoing the friendship Michael admired in The Right Stuff.

Turning the Tide: Innovative Solutions and Success

With renewed confidence, Michael and Drew implemented a last-ditch effort to salvage the mission. Utilizing tape in space—a first, as Michael humorously noted—they successfully removed the stubborn handrail despite the challenges posed by a dead power tool battery.

"I'm going to be the first astronaut to use tape in space during a spacewalk. But I follow directions." (17:10)

Their ingenuity paid off, allowing Michael to access and repair the critical instrument, thereby restoring its functionality and enabling continued scientific exploration.

A Transformational View: Perspective from Above

As the mission concluded, Michael was granted a moment outside the airlock to gaze upon Earth. This breathtaking view fundamentally altered his perception, instilling a deep appreciation for our planet as a singular, fragile vessel in the vast universe.

"I realized it really wasn't that [Earth was just a safe haven]. It really is its own spaceship. And I had always been a space traveler." (18:50)

This epiphany underscored the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the shared responsibility to preserve it.

Returning Home: Realizing Support and Community

Upon returning, Michael was greeted with overwhelming support from his family, friends, and community. The experience underscored that, despite the physical isolation of space, the support network was ever-present, providing unwavering encouragement throughout his ordeal.

"I realized that at the time when I felt so lonely… my family and my friends and the people I worked with, the people that I loved and the people that cared about me, they were with me every step of the way." (19:25)

Conclusion: Legacy of Perseverance and Unity

Michael Massimino's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength found in camaraderie, and the profound perspectives gained through extraordinary experiences. His journey from a dream inspired by cinema to a real-life mission-saving spacewalk illustrates the heights achievable through dedication and the enduring bonds that support us.

"This is the view that I imagined in that movie theater all those years ago… a view that changed my relationship with the Earth." (19:15)

Michael's reflections invite listeners to consider their own dreams, the support systems around them, and the broader perspective of our place within the universe.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps:

• "I wanted to see that view. And secondly, the camaraderie between the original seven astronauts depicted in that movie… I wanted to be part of an organization like that."
  — Michael Massimino (02:07)

• "Our task that day was to repair an instrument that had failed… It was used by scientists to detect the atmospheres of far-off planets."
  — Michael Massimino (02:55)

• "I look closer, and I realize it's stripped. And I realize that that handrail is not coming off, which means I can't get to the access panel… we're not going to be able to fix this instrument today."
  — Michael Massimino (08:30)

• "I felt detached from the Earth. I felt that I was by myself, and everything that I knew and loved and that made me feel comfortable was far away."
  — Michael Massimino (11:20)

• "Bueno was looking at me like, 'Don't look at me…I just want to say, no, we're okay. You just hang in there a little bit longer.'"
  — Michael Massimino (15:00)

• "I'm going to be the first astronaut to use tape in space during a spacewalk. But I follow directions."
  — Michael Massimino (17:10)

• "I realized it really wasn't that [Earth was just a safe haven]. It really is its own spaceship. And I had always been a space traveler."
  — Michael Massimino (18:50)

• "I realized that at the time when I felt so lonely… my family and my friends and the people I worked with, the people that I loved and the people that cared about me, they were with me every step of the way."
  — Michael Massimino (19:25)

• "This is the view that I imagined in that movie theater all those years ago… a view that changed my relationship with the Earth."
  — Michael Massimino (19:15)

Michael Massimino's story is not just an astronaut's tale but a universal narrative about chasing dreams, overcoming adversity, and the invisible threads that connect us all, even when we feel worlds apart.