this_or_this

Colonel Hadfield, I have two questions and a request:

First, I think that if a manned mission to Mars is going to happen, it will require a revolution in propulsion. A 6-9 month transit to Mars causes many problems for the human body (prolong microgravity exposure, solar flares, etc.) and such a long trip requires a lot of supplies. It seems to me that a more powerful propulsion system could simplify these issues by shortening the transit time. Also the mission duration on the surface could be shorter because, with a better propulsion system, the crew wouldn't necessarily have to wait a year for Earth to come back around. What do you think?

Second, during my undergraduate studies I had the chance to study under and talk with Jim Voss and Joe Tanner on many occasions. I have heard this rumor a few times but I am still not sure about it. The rumor is that Russians have a ritual where cosmonauts, driving on their way to the Soyuz rocket, have to get out and take a bathroom break before they reach the rocket because that's what Gagarin did. Gagarin's flight was successful, so why mess with a winning system (this mentality seems classically Russian to me). Care to comment? :)

My request is that I have seen many pictures from the ISS of the Earth, but hardly anyone seems to photograph the stars. I know the ISS has some really good camera rigs on board, would you mind pointing the other direction and get a good picture of the stars without atmosphere?

Good luck with your command, and have a great flight!

I have talked to several astronauts who launched from Baikonur, and I am always a little astounded at the superstition of Russians. Do cosmonauts really take a leak where Yuri took a leak before the first flight?

Also, how do you feel about potentially flying on the Falcon 9?

I find this discussion interesting, but this comment makes me think that I really don't understand what you are asking. Can you please clarify how shma_'s response is not an answer to what you are asking?

Dobry den!

I wonder if you could ask him about his experience in 1968. What was he doing before and after August 22nd? How great was it after we beat the Soviets in hockey in March of 69?

Naschle!

Well done. Was he asking about the crash or your injuries? I assume he was trying to get answers that would make the airline look better.