AstroSerena - Blog Posts

That’s a wrap! Thanks for all the great questions.

Follow Serena on Twitter at @AstroSerena and follow the International Space Station on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to keep up with all the cool stuff happening on our orbital laboratory.

How does the whole sleeping situation work with 0 gravity, or do sleep mid air?

Hello Serena! I was wondering if given the chance would you be apart of a mission to mars in the near future, and if you could bring a personal item with you what would it be?

What advice do you have for Hispanic boys and girls who see themselves in you and are inspired by your achievements?

What does actually launching into space feel like?

Would you dance off with an alien? If so, what song would you dance off? :D

What's your opinion on astronaut food?

How did your perspective on Earth & humanity change from space?

Is the earth really as beautiful as they say from space?

Hey! I was wondering how everyone on the ISS adjusts to each other’s culture and language. It seems like it might be hard with language barriers and other factors, to live in a confined space with people from another country. Do others try to teach you their language? Does everyone mostly speak English, or do some people speak Russian?

After spending time in Antarctica, Underwater AND in Space, which would you say is your favorite?

Ever get a random craving for a food when in space?

Hi!! I’m a high school sophomore and I love the work NASA does! I’ve always wondered, what’s an astronaut’s first thought when leaving earth? What kind of experiences do you leave the expedition with? Thanks! :) - Lauren

What is it like floating in space?

You seem to have spent a lot of time in some pretty isolated locations during your career, what are some challenges to that? Was there anything you enjoyed about it?

Dear Dr. Serena M. Aunon Chancellor, There are numerous questions and queries related to space and its endless impacts on human mind, but among all of them, I want to know, if any how, there is some emergency or casualty in space so that we need to operate a surgery, in that situation, are we still able to perform any surgery in microgravity? Is it possible or not? Thanking you. Parmesh Kumar India

What exactly did you do during your time as a flight surgeon? I guess im just trying to ask, what does that job include?

Hi Serena, what made you think, yes, I want to be an astronaut? And what's your favourite aquatic animal?

What is the real raw advice for someone wanting to pursue a career at NASA?

Ever want to ask a real life astronaut a question? Here’s your chance! 

We are kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month a little early this year, and astronaut Serena M. Auñón-Chancellor will be taking your questions in an Answer Time session on Thursday, September 12 from 12pm - 1pm ET here on NASA’s Tumblr! Find out what it’s like to be a NASA astronaut and learn more about her Cuban-American heritage. Make sure to ask your question now by visiting http://nasa.tumblr.com/ask!

Dr. Serena M. Auñón-Chancellor began working with NASA as a Flight Surgeon in 2006 and was later selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009. Her first flight was from Jun 6- Dec. 20, 2018 where she served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station as a member of Expeditions 56 and 57. During these missions, the crew contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science – including investigations into a new cancer treatment!

She has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C and a Doctorate of Medicine from The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston. 

Dr. Auñón-Chancellor Fun Facts:

She spent 2 months in Antarctica from 2010 to 2011 searching for meteorites as part of the ANSMET expedition.

She served as an Aquanaut on the NEEMO 20 mission in the Aquarius underwater laboratory, which is used to prepare for living and working in space. 

She logged 197 days in space during Expeditions 56 and 57.

Follow Serena on Twitter at @AstroSerena and follow NASA on Tumblr for your regular dose of space.