Before I Go, Gratitude


Everything is progressing well towards our launch on May 15 at 09:01 am local time in Kazakhstan.  We had a chance to see our vehicle one last time, now all packed with the cargo we will take with us to the International Space Station.  She looks good and is ready for us.  The fully assembled vehicle has been transferred by train and with a well rehearsed and proven procedure, has been placed in its final position on the launch pad.   

 People ask what does one do a few days before launch?  There are of course a few briefings, but they are kept to a minimum.  We discuss the details of our launch and rendezvous with the ISS and the current status of the ISS, if any changes have occurred while we have been in Baikonur.  Some time is set aside to meet with our respective management representatives.  The work that is done to put together a successful mission is enormous.  It is with great appreciation that we are allowed to have brief contact with immediate family members.  None of us would be where we are without the love and support of our families.  All of the Astronauts and Cosmonauts know that the stress of a launch is much more difficult for them.  We are trained, know what to expect, and get to experience the unforgettable thrill of a launch to space.  We thank them for their support and sacrifices.  No special requests for meals are made.  We are well fed in Baikonur within their regular menu and we couldn’t ask for more.  As I think about it, the more you can keep a normal routine leading up to an important event, the more relaxed one feels.  We will be getting up around midnight the evening before launch, so the day before is short as we will try to get some sleep after lunch.  As a crew, we are well rested and ready.

 I look forward to sharing our story with you with future blogs from The Great Outer Space.

14 thoughts on “Before I Go, Gratitude”

  1. That is fantastic. Your very lucky to have a family that supports yo. Good luck on your future missions! 😀

  2. Greetings from Toa Alta, PR. Our family and I wish you a successful mission!

  3. It was great meeting you and working with you on your first mission when you were at KSC. How does the station look to you know that it is finished? Are our names still on the back of the MPLM end cone? Best of luck to a Melbourne teacher!!!!

  4. Josheph we feel very proud from you Here in Puerto Rico representing our Island,We wish you the best on this Amazing and Historic trip to space.Hope you all doing well,There in outter space

    Good Luck,

  5. We are proud of you and praying that everything goes fine as you expect. Best wishes from Puerto Rico!!!!

  6. Socioastronautics anthropological stars of the world pending where moon is mercury if mars is moon

  7. Have a happy birthday Thursday. WOW what a way to celebrate, docking with the ISS!

  8. Watched your launch!!! What a ride!!! Hope you have a great time up there and pass on alot of good information to the kids on earth. The people of American need to know about all the good things going on up there. It was a pleasure to work with you in the SSPF and I hope your time up there is special. If you get a chance, go back in the mplm and see if my name got smeared on the endcone. Safe flight!!!!!

  9. Good luck Joe and have fun up there,I’m watching you guys .
    Peace and safe there:))

  10. We are so proud of all you pioneers big kiss from Earth…. Big Bravo to all. I have recently started following the mission and everything about the Station fascinates me now I am stucked every nite just following you guys or reading all of Petit blogs ( which i simply enjoy lots) what a feat !!!!!love you all oh before i forget i am in Puerto Rico I am the proudest puertorrican tonite…. I followed the docking and I’m waiting for you guys to get cleaned up and change into something more comfortable lol to see you all and top this epic night. THANK U THANK U THANK U 😉

  11. I was wonder if you ever have chance to watch baseball, awhile you at ISS in orbit. I don’t know if you’re Lakers fan or not, let me know if you not Lakers fan, but I know you’re huge baseball fan. Go Angels! Have you ever see “Star Wars” since you like science fiction, but I do like “Star Wars” and “Transformers”. But I tell you, you better watch out for Frenzy, I bet Smokey Bear would call Optimus Prime for help.

  12. Mr. Acaba,

    Thank you so much for your blog posts. Remember, no detail is too small! I so enjoy hearing about the perspectives of the astronauts and cosmonauts. It’s almost (but not quite) like being there. I read that you have to answer questions about having headaches in space. What can you tell us about your experiences with this phenomenon? Take care, and know that we all wish you the best during your stay on Station.

    Stacie

  13. Hi Joe,

    The SpaceX berthing of Dragon with the ISS was very impressive as was your Soyuz take off. What was your view like of Dragon coming in?

    BR
    Keith

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