What happens when astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia come together in space? They introduce a special zero-g indicator: an origami crane named "Droog."
As Crew-10 launched on March 14, 2023, members Anne McClain (NASA), Takuya Onishi (JAXA), Nichole Ayers (NASA), and Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos) showcased this unique symbol of their journey into microgravity. During a live broadcast, McClain explained, "This is a hand-crocheted origami crane. ‘Droog’ means ‘friend’ in Russian." This choice reflects the shared cultural backgrounds of the astronauts and speaks to the unity they represent in space exploration.
Origami culture resonates deeply with the astronauts. McClain added, "Origami represents the hands that created our entire space program. It also symbolizes the artists and musicians who inspire us to dream bigger." The crane, often seen as a motiff of hope and peace, holds historical significance. For example, in 2011, members of the ISS sent paper cranes to Japan as a gesture of solidarity after a devastating earthquake.
Crew-10 is noteworthy for another reason: it marks the first mission in which both the commander and pilot are women. This is a significant moment in space history and reflects the growing inclusivity in STEM fields.
The launch took place aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon "Endurance," a spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The crew will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) and will engage in scientific research as part of Expedition 72, before transitioning to Expedition 73.
Crew-10’s mission builds on the tradition of zero-g indicators, which dates back to the first human flight in space by Yuri Gagarin in 1961. This practice allows astronauts to celebrate their achievements while adding a personal touch to their missions. Droog follows previous indicators, including a baby falcon named "Aurora" from Crew-9 and a baby penguin from Crew-2.
This mission encapsulates a broader lesson in collaboration. As McClain articulated, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” This sentiment underlines the universal benefits of teamwork in achieving great things.
This ongoing journey emphasizes that exploration extends beyond science. It fosters connections among diverse cultures and inspires future generations to dream big.
For more details on space exploration and current activities, check out NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Check out this related article: SpaceX Crew Launches to Rescue Stranded NASA Astronauts: A Historic Mission Unfolds!
Source link