Volume 1, Issue 2, 2023
The Astronaut journey to Space Dr. Dave Williams, Canadian Astronaut
There is no greater opportunity to contemplate globalization and planetary change than the view of the International Space Station. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the ISS has been home in space for over 266 visitors from 20 different countries. Travelling 25 times the speed of sound, the Station orbits the Earth every ninety minutes, giving astronauts frequent opportunities to glimpse the planet’s beauty. The spectacular view defies description. The simplest description of the impact of seeing the Earth from space is that it provides an overview effect, leaving a broader planetary perspective in those lucky enough to have witnessed it firsthand. Many think of this as something new, yet 55 years ago, on December 24th, 1968, the Apollo 8 crew first shared images of the Earth rising above the lunar surface. It happened a few minutes after 11:30 am (ET) when the spacecraft was coming around from the far side of the Moon. Looking out the side window of the command module, astronaut Bill Anders commented, “Look at that picture over there! The Earth is coming up. Wow, is that pretty!” For the astronauts, the unexpected Earthrise was one of the mission highlights, and Ander’s many photos 23
