"Voyage from Seas to Cosmos" or "Journey from the Oceans to the Universe"
Jessica Meir, a UC San Diego alumna and marine biology expert, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sept. 25, 2019. Meir's mission, which will last six months, is a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, aiming to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024.
Meir's research aboard the ISS will focus on various physiological effects of long-duration human spaceflight. She will contribute to studies on the health of the eye and vision problems, cardiovascular health, and protein crystal growth. Her background in marine biology, specifically studying the physiology of deep-diving animals, has equipped her with valuable expertise for this mission.
During her time on the ISS, Meir may conduct one or more spacewalks. One of these spacewalks will involve the repair of a critical pump on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. She looks forward to spending some of her down time in the Cupola, a dome-like observatory module with seven windows that provides a bird's-eye view of Earth.
Scripps Oceanography, a renowned institution for its research work in marine biology, played a significant role in Meir's career. During her time as a graduate student, she was mentored by advisors Paul Ponganis and Jerry Kooyman. In recognition of their support, Scripps held a launch viewing party at the institution, where recording artist Grace Potter performed and a virtual reality experience of the ISS was showcased.
The research vessel R/V Sally Ride, owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by Scripps Oceanography, is named in honour of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and a long-time member of UC San Diego's physics faculty. Meir's mission continues this legacy, as she becomes one of three women alumni from UC San Diego to become NASA astronauts.
Meir's journey to space was not without commemoration. Guests at the launch viewing party were given commemorative items, including cookies, Tang, Space Ice Kream, and a custom patch. Kooyman and several others from Scripps traveled to Kazakhstan to witness Meir's launch.
Meir's space journey will be documented through updates on her Twitter and Instagram accounts. Her experiences in space will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing research into the physiological effects of long-duration human spaceflight, a crucial aspect of NASA's Artemis program.
