July 24, 2024

Click2Houston: NASA astronaut Terry Virts discusses upcoming mission to deliver emergency vehicles

Terry Virts shares his story, reflecting on his experiences, the shock of seeing war from space, and his desire to help Ukraine achieve victory:

“When I was a teenager, I lived with a Finnish family about one kilometer from the Soviet border. Growing up there, I saw the totalitarian state up close. I joined the Air Force at 17 to defend Europe from the Russians. Years later, I became a NASA astronaut and made great Russian friends, launched with the Russians on a SOYUZ, and lived with Russians on the space station.

In 2015, while on the space station, my friend and I saw red flashes and bombs going off in Donbas when the Russians first invaded. It was profound watching war in Europe from space.

This experience, along with my frustration at not being able to do more, led me to connect with Ukraine Focus, a tangible way to help. We deliver ambulances to Ukraine, and it’s something practical I can do now that evil has returned to Europe with artillery and tanks. As an astronaut, my time in space gave me a unique perspective on global issues, including watching bombings unfold from the window of the ISS.

It was shocking to see war from space. One of the worst parts was that my cosmonaut friend, who witnessed it with me, later joined Putin’s party and supported the war. It was heartbreaking to see the tragedy on this beautiful planet.

Ukraine is one of many places with bad things happening, but it was visible from space. 

Hopefully, our government will stop being timid and allow Ukraine to win the war. Every day, Russians bomb Ukrainian civilians, and we need to help in any way we can.