Kathleen “Kate” Rubins has just wrapped up an incredible 16-year journey with NASA. She spent 300 days in space, completed four spacewalks, and was part of two missions on the International Space Station (ISS). Her farewell from Johnson Space Center in Houston took place on July 28.
Rubins made history back in August 2016 when she became the first person to sequence DNA in space. Using a small, USB-powered device called MinION, she analyzed the DNA from a mouse, bacteria, and even a virus. This work opened up new possibilities for future space research.
Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA, praised Rubins, saying, “From her groundbreaking work in space to her leadership on the ground, Kate has brought passion and excellence to everything she’s done.” He emphasized her role as a source of inspiration.
During her first spaceflight, Rubins also helped test new technology on the upgraded Russian Soyuz spacecraft and participated in numerous scientific experiments. She conducted tests on cell cultures and fluid dynamics among other exciting projects. Rubins also completed her first two spacewalks, aiding in the installation of docking ports for future missions.
Her second mission furthered her research on DNA sequencing. This time, she had the opportunity to build on her previous work in understanding how astronauts can monitor their health in space. She completed two more spacewalks to prepare the ISS for new solar arrays, bringing her total EVA time to nearly 27 hours.
Back on Earth, Rubins had significant roles, including acting as deputy director of NASA’s Human Health and Performance Directorate. She also contributed to the future of space exploration by leading the development of new spacesuits for the Artemis missions, which aim to land humans on the Moon’s south pole.
Rubins’ background includes a doctorate in cancer biology, and she serves as a microbiologist and major in the U.S. Army Reserve. Currently, she’s an innovation officer with the Army Reserve’s MedBio Detachment in Boston, working on new health technologies.
Reflecting on her career, Rubins stated, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to live and work in space. I am grateful for the extraordinary advances at NASA. The mission of exploration continues, and I’m excited to see what this nation accomplishes next.”
As we look at the landscape of space exploration today, it’s clear that astronauts like Rubins are paving the way for future missions. Recent surveys reveal that public interest in space travel is stronger than ever, with 70% of people favoring increased funding for NASA. This enthusiasm is crucial as humanity aims for greater challenges, including Mars colonization and beyond.
For more insights into space exploration and innovation, you can check NASA’s reports and updates. Every mission brings us closer to understanding our universe.
