Space Careers: NASA Astronaut Talks Spacewalking, Life on the ISS & the Future of Human Spaceflight

In this episode of Go! For Launch, hosts Audrey, Kam, and MacKenzie sit down with Colonel Jim Voss, a former NASA astronaut and University of Colorado professor, to dive into the realities of space exploration and the paths that lead there.

With five space shuttle missions and six months aboard the International Space Station, Jim shares his journey from the Army to orbit, offering a firsthand look at the thrills of spacewalks, the rigor of astronaut training, and the power of international collaboration in space.Jim reflects on how commercial spaceflight is reshaping the industry, the skills young people need to join this frontier, and what excites him about NASA’s Artemis program.

From record-breaking EVAs (Extravehicular Activity) to lessons in teamwork across cultures, he inspires listeners to chase big goals and think critically about humanity’s cosmic future.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How commercial companies like SpaceX are transforming space exploration

✅ What it takes to train for space—years of prep, from robotics to emergencies

✅ Key traits for aspiring astronauts: problem-solving, flexibility, and grit

✅ The impact of global teamwork on the International Space Station

✅ Why striving for bold dreams pays off, even if you don’t reach orbit

Timestamps:

00:00:43 - Introduction: Hosts welcome Colonel Jim Voss, former NASA astronaut

00:01:14 - Colonel Voss introduces himself and shares his background in the Army and NASA

00:02:07 - Discussing his five space shuttle flights and six-month stay on the ISS

00:04:38 - The biggest changes in space exploration over the past 10-15 years

00:06:25 - NASA’s shift to commercial partnerships and the rise of private spaceflight

00:10:12 - Careers in the space industry: Skills and paths beyond being an astronaut

00:12:49 - Memorable experiences from his five space missions

00:15:22 - What daily life is like aboard the International Space Station

00:17:00 - The intense training process for astronauts and what it takes to prepare

00:24:04 - What makes a great astronaut? The key skills NASA looks for

00:24:30 - His record-breaking EVA (extravehicular activity) and what spacewalking is like

00:29:22 - The importance of international collaboration in space exploration

00:35:10 - How spaceflight changes your worldview

00:39:52 - The Artemis program and the future of lunar and Mars missions

00:44:12 - Final advice: Set ambitious goals and work toward them, even if the path changes

00:45:28 - What keeps him curious? Reflections on global challenges and collaboration

🔗 Helpful Links:

🔹 Learn more about Jim Voss: https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/james-voss

🔹 Explore NASA’s Artemis program: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/artemis/

🔹 Check out the International Space Station: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/

🔹 Discover CU Boulder’s Aerospace Engineering: https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/

🔹 NASA Astronaut Careers: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/become-an-astronaut/

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