Six months aboard the International Space Station – that’s what Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen accomplished, from September 2023 to March 2024. He made history as the first European to pilot SpaceX‘s Crew Dragon and even held the role of ISS commander. Now back on Earth, he takes time to share exclusive insights about his remarkable experience.
We met Mogensen during the European Space Agency (ESA)’s open house at its technical centre in the Netherlands. His relaxed demeanor spoke volumes about the successful completion of the Huginn mission’s post-flight phase. What’s next for this seasoned astronaut? Active participation in the exciting and rapidly evolving space sector.
“Being commander wasn’t about significant differences in daily tasks,” Mogensen explained. “We’re a team of highly trained, motivated astronauts who excel in our roles. The core responsibility is ensuring everyone is happy, productive, and the workload aligns with individual capabilities and team capacity. It involves having a broad perspective, communicating effectively with mission control in Houston, and maintaining a unified vision for mission execution.”
Deployment of satellites demonstrates rapid space development, comes with added responsibility. Each launch necessitates a plan for responsible decommissioning. While most nations recognize the imperative of minimizing space debris, the issue transcends the ISS.
Mogensen describes the experience of life aboard the ISS: “While we form a tight-knit team, sharing a common goal of space exploration and pushing humanity’s understanding of the cosmos and our planet, we swiftly disperse upon returning to Earth. It’s rather ironic, as the bond forged in orbit is quickly dissolved by the demands of our respective space agencies.”
The growing number of European astronauts joining NASA’s astronaut training program reflects a significant shift in accessibility to space. Private spaceflights have opened new doors, creating opportunities for more astronauts.
“Just four years ago, when the reserve astronaut corps was first proposed, I wouldn’t have imagined they would actually get the chance to fly,” Mogensen reflects. “Now, with the emergence of private spaceflight, it seems more realistic.”
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Andreas Mogensen! It’s fantastic to have you here with us after your incredible six-month journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). You’ve made history as the first European to pilot SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and also served as the ISS commander. How does it feel to have accomplished all of this?
Andreas Mogensen: Thank you! It’s great to be here. Honestly, it feels surreal. When you’re up there in space, every moment is filled with excitement, but being back on Earth, reflecting on it all, helps me appreciate how historic it is. Piloting the Crew Dragon and being in command of the ISS was a significant honor and a responsibility I took very seriously.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the responsibilities of being in command. Can you share what some of the biggest challenges were during your time in space?
Andreas Mogensen: Absolutely! One of the biggest challenges was maintaining a smooth operation despite the always-changing environment. You have to adapt to various unexpected situations, whether it’s technical issues, navigating crew dynamics, or simply the physical strains of microgravity. The psychological aspects, like separating from your loved ones for such an extended period, also play a vital role. But we had a fantastic crew, which made the journey much smoother.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. I can’t imagine the mental strength it requires. You were involved in the Huginn mission. Can you tell us about its objectives and any notable experiments you conducted?
Andreas Mogensen: Certainly! The Huginn mission had several goals, primarily focusing on scientific research and technology demonstrations. We conducted experiments that explored fluid dynamics in microgravity, which can lead to advancements in various fields, including medicine and materials science. One standout experiment involved studying how plants grow in space, which is vital for long-duration missions and potentially for lunar and Martian colonies.
Time.news Editor: Plant growth in microgravity sounds intriguing! How do you think your findings may impact future space exploration?
Andreas Mogensen: Well, successfully cultivating plants could be a game changer for life support systems on long missions. If we can grow food in space, we mitigate the need for carrying large amounts of supplies from Earth, which in turn could reduce costs and logistical challenges. It also brings a psychological benefit—having a green, living environment can enhance the well-being of astronauts during extended missions.
Time.news Editor: That’s brilliant! Now that you’re back on Earth and the post-flight phase of Huginn is complete, what’s next for you?
Andreas Mogensen: I’m very excited about the future. The space sector is evolving rapidly, with new technology and missions coming up all the time. I want to stay actively involved, whether that’s through research, public outreach, or collaborating on future missions. I’m also keen on encouraging young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—who knows, they might be the next generation of astronauts!
Time.news Editor: That’s commendable! Speaking of the next generation, what advice would you give to aspiring astronauts and scientists?
Andreas Mogensen: I would say—never stop being curious. Explore different fields, pursue your passions, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The path to becoming an astronaut is not just about academics; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination!
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Andreas. It’s been wonderful having this conversation with you. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Andreas Mogensen: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, both for me and for the future of space exploration.