Baldwin Native Jasmin Moghbeli Leads NASA SpaceX Crew-7 Mission to International Space Station

Baldwin Native Jasmin Moghbeli Leads NASA SpaceX Crew-7 Mission to International Space Station

BALDWIN, Nassau County (WABC) — The NASA SpaceX Crew-7 successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida early Saturday, carrying four astronauts from four different countries. Among them is Long Island native, Jasmin Moghbeli, who is now the commander of the mission to the International Space Station.

The crew’s SpaceX capsule is expected to reach the orbiting lab on Sunday, where they will trade places with four astronauts who have been living on the space station since March.

For Moghbeli, this launch is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “I still wake up every morning, and it still feels like a ‘pinch me’ moment to think I’m actually an astronaut right now,” she previously told Eyewitness News.

Moghbeli, a Marine pilot serving as commander, attended Lenox Elementary School and Baldwin Middle and High schools on Long Island before pursuing a career in space exploration. She is joined on the six-month mission by the European Space Agency’s Andreas Mogensen, Japan’s Satoshi Furukawa, and Russia’s Konstantin Borisov.

As the leader and the only woman on the crew, Moghbeli is breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Her journey has been closely followed by her first-grade and reading elementary school teachers, as well as Baldwin Schools Superintendent Dr. Shari Camhi. “So proud, excited, hopeful,” said Camhi. “She spent a lot of time with our elementary students and our high school students.”

During a visit to Lenox Elementary School in March, Moghbeli expressed her excitement about being back in the halls where it all began. “It feels incredible,” she said. “A lot of it feels the same and very familiar.” The trip was not only about revisiting her roots but also about inspiring students to fall in love with science.

Fifth-grader Mia Jones even painted a picture that will be on board with Moghbeli during the space flight, symbolizing the support and pride of her hometown of Baldwin.

Back on Earth, complete strangers in Baldwin are also celebrating Moghbeli’s achievement. “Incredible,” said Tom Hessel of Freeport. “I want her to know that her whole entire community is rooting for her,” said Alma Kari Kari-Yawson of Baldwin.

During her time on the International Space Station, Moghbeli will conduct numerous science experiments on objects and her own body to study how humans react in space. Her crew will perform nearly 200 experiments over the next six months. Additionally, Moghbeli plans to have a live chat with hundreds of students while she is in space.

The successful launch of the NASA SpaceX Crew-7 mission marks another milestone in space exploration and serves as an inspiration for future generations to reach for the stars.

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What scientific experiments and maintenance work will NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, Raja Chari, and European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer conduct on the International Space Station during the Crew-7 mission?

Y NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, Raja Chari, and European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer. Together, they will conduct various scientific experiments and maintenance work on the International Space Station.

This is Moghbeli’s first mission to space. She was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2017 and completed two years of training before being assigned to the Crew-7 mission. As the commander, she will be responsible for leading the crew and ensuring the success of the mission.

Moghbeli’s journey to becoming an astronaut has been an inspiring one. Growing up in Baldwin, New York, she developed a passion for aviation and space exploration at a young age. After graduating from Baldwin High School, she attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Following her graduation, Moghbeli joined the United States Marine Corps and became a military pilot. She deployed twice to the Middle East and flew over 150 combat missions. During her time in the Marines, she even served as a helicopter test pilot and was responsible for conducting experimental flight tests.

Moghbeli’s extensive experience as a pilot and her dedication to serving her country played a significant role in her selection as a NASA astronaut. Her hard work and determination have paid off, allowing her to realize her childhood dream of going to space.

Throughout her training and preparations for the Crew-7 mission, Moghbeli has emphasized the importance of teamwork and the support she has received from her fellow astronauts and colleagues. She has expressed her gratitude to NASA for providing her with the opportunity to pursue her passion and contribute to space exploration.

The successful launch of the NASA SpaceX Crew-7 mission marks another milestone in human space exploration and highlights the incredible achievements of individuals like Jasmin Moghbeli. As she embarks on this historic journey to the International Space Station, she is not only representing NASA but also her hometown of Baldwin and inspiring the next generation of aspiring astronauts.