Space Boffins, from the Naked Scientists Apollo 1, Frank De Winne, and Moon Museum
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Dec 3, 2025 Frank De Winne, Belgian astronaut and former ISS commander, reflects on life and leadership in orbit. Mark Craig, documentary filmmaker, explores the human story behind Apollo 1. Dr. Jamees Brown, Moonshot Museum director, talks hands-on outreach and lunar visions. Eva Dixon, multimedia artist, presents a Wally Funk–inspired Mercury 13 exhibition. They discuss station life, Apollo 1’s human angle, museum outreach, and space-themed art.
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On-Orbit Repair Of Oxygen System Prevented Early Return
- Frank De Winne recalled repairing the US oxygen generation system on orbit, a task not planned for astronauts but necessary to avoid returning home.
- He described taking it apart, changing a filter with colleague Bob Thurst to restore breathable air.
ISS Is An Engineering Feat And Symbol Of Cooperation
- Frank De Winne highlights the ISS legacy as both engineering achievement and rare international peaceful cooperation in space.
- He stressed Europe's pride in building Columbus and the station as a massive multi-country plug-and-play success.
Bring Capabilities To Be A Better Partner
- ESA aims to both cooperate internationally and develop independent capabilities so it can be a stronger partner in lunar exploration.
- De Winne cited projects like Leo Cargo Return Service and Argonaut to demonstrate capability-building before joint missions.
