News Summary
Zena Cardman, a Bruton High School graduate, has taken command of her new crew heading to the International Space Station. The Crew-11 mission, which includes astronauts from the US, Japan, and Russia, successfully launched from Cape Canaveral and is expected to arrive at the ISS this weekend. Cardman’s leadership highlights international cooperation in space exploration and her groundbreaking journey is a testament to her achievements in STEM fields.
Cape Canaveral, Florida – Zena Cardman, a graduate of Bruton High School, has officially taken command of a new crew heading to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew successfully launched from Florida on Friday and is expected to arrive at the ISS over the weekend, marking a significant milestone in both her career and in international space collaboration.
The Crew-11 mission is composed of four astronauts hailing from the United States, Japan, and Russia. This mission replaces a previous crew that launched in March and comes after a delay caused by issues with Boeing’s Starliner program. Cardman’s launch was especially anticipated as she was previously pulled from a SpaceX flight to accommodate Starliner test pilots, whose safety was a concern. Two of her fellow crew members were also involved in the troubled Starliner training program, which will remain grounded until next year.
Following the successful launch, Cardman expressed her profound joy about the experience, referring to it as “the ride of a lifetime.” Her leadership represents a blend of international cooperation in manned space missions, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in STEM fields.
Born in Urbana, Illinois, and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, Cardman continues to hold strong ties to her hometown, where her parents, Helen and Larry, still reside. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later earned a master’s degree in marine sciences. At the time of her selection for NASA, she was a PhD candidate in geosciences, focusing on geobiology and geochemical cycling across various subsurface environments.
Prior to joining NASA’s ranks, Cardman participated in numerous research expeditions to Antarctica, which enriched her understanding of extreme environments and their scientific value. She was selected for NASA’s 2017 “Turtles” Astronaut Class, completing two years of intensive training, including engagement in NASA-supported field tests such as Pavilion Lake and BASALT. Beyond her professional pursuits, Cardman is passionate about rock climbing, poetry, and powerlifting, which showcase her diverse interests beyond the realm of science.
During her tenure aboard the ISS, Cardman will conduct significant scientific investigations focused on studying the effects of space on human physiology. This research is crucial for understanding how to support human life during extended periods in space, thereby allowing for further exploration of other planets and moons.
Cardman’s journey to NASA was heavily influenced by her high school biology teacher, Emil Davis, who inspired her initial interest in the sciences. From a young age, she sought out summer research internships and engaged in independent studies, laying the groundwork for her future achievements. Her research experience includes investigating microorganisms found in both caves and deep-sea sediments, with extensive time spent in challenging environments in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
As Zena Cardman embarks on this unprecedented journey, she expresses excitement to represent her crew, her hometown, and her country during this mission to the ISS. This groundbreaking opportunity not only highlights her personal accomplishments but also signals the ongoing commitment to advancing human knowledge through space exploration.
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HERE Resources
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