Former Astronaut Twins Mark and Scott Kelly Discuss NASA Cuts, SpaceX Mission, and Life on the ISS

In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, former NASA astronauts and twin brothers Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly shared their thoughts on the challenges facing the U.S. space program, the upcoming SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS), and the unique experience of living in space.

NASA Cuts and the Future of Space Exploration

With the U.S. government planning to cut NASA's budget by 20%, Senator Mark Kelly, who represents Arizona, has been working closely with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to find a way forward. Duffy is currently serving as the acting NASA administrator following the withdrawal of billionaire Elon Musk's ally, Jared Isaacman, from the position.

"NASA is a resilient and innovative agency," Mark Kelly said. "We always want to retain the best people, whether in government or the private sector. Change is inevitable, but we need to ensure that NASA remains a leader in space exploration."

SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch and the Artemis II Mission

The upcoming SpaceX Crew Dragon mission to the ISS was initially scheduled for July 31, 2025, but was delayed due to weather conditions. This mission is particularly significant as it is the first crewed flight to the ISS since issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule forced NASA to reassign astronauts.

Among the crew members is Colonel Michael Fincke, a former colleague of Mark Kelly. The two were classmates at NASA in 1996 and were part of the final mission of the space shuttle Endeavour. Mark Kelly expressed his pride in seeing Fincke return to space after 14 years and admitted a bit of jealousy over the experience of launching into space at 17,500 miles per hour.

Life on the ISS: A Unique Challenge

Scott Kelly, who spent over a year on the ISS as part of NASA's twin study, shared the emotional toll of being away from Earth. "The hardest part is being separated from everything that Earth has to offer," he said. "You're separated from the weather, your family, and everything you hold dear."

Despite the challenges, both brothers emphasized the importance of space exploration and the role of NASA in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. They also spoke about the upcoming Artemis II mission, which is set to take astronauts around the moon in the coming year.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Travel

As the U.S. continues to invest in space exploration, the collaboration between NASA and private companies like SpaceX is expected to play a crucial role in the future of human spaceflight. The Kelly brothers, with their unique perspective as both astronauts and scientists, are optimistic about the path forward for space exploration.

"We are in an exciting time for space exploration," Scott Kelly said. "There's a lot of work to be done, but the opportunities are limitless."