Thanksgiving Aboard the International Space Station

A thankful heart knows no bounds. The sky’s the limit. No, scratch that. There is no limit.

Ask the astronauts aboard the International Space Station who will be celebrating Thanksgiving in space. 

While Americans across the country (and the globe) are caught up in the flurry of prepping the ultimate Thanksgiving meal, astronauts have theirs ready.

It’s nothing new. In fact, it’s standard classic NASA Thanksgiving fare: a turkey dinner straight from a vacuum-sealed pouch. The dinner includes dehydrated mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, green beans and mushrooms. There’s even dessert: candied yams plus cherry-blueberry cobbler.

How’s that for handy?

Vacuum-sealed and dehydrated stuff aside, the station Commander says that once the food is heated up, it tastes great – just like Thanksgiving dinner at home.

Below, Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA discusses how he and his crewmates will celebrate Thanksgiving holiday. He also talks about his view of Earth from orbit during the holiday season.

Oh, and of course, there’s football. In Commander Shane Kimbrough world, Thanksgiving and football go together. As such, he won’t be content without a live football game as they celebrate the holiday. Luckily for him, mission control can stream him some games. (Now I wonder if they have Netflix up there…)

This video was recorded on November 18.

The commander is on a four-month mission. He is joined by Peggy Whitson (NASA), Thomas Pesquet (France), and three Russian crew members.

Here you go…an astronaut thanksgiving.

For those of us down here, Happy Thanksgiving! May you have a meaningful day with your family and friends.