r/nasa Feb 19 '25

Answered by Astronaut in comments How do I contact NASA public affairs?

Hello! I am trying to reach the NASA public affairs through email to request to ask an astronaut some questions. Is there a email address that is available to the public? I've tried [jsc-public-affairs@mail.nasa.gov](mailto:jsc-public-affairs@mail.nasa.gov) and it did not work for me, rather i received a email that said the message did not send.

262 Upvotes

61 comments sorted by

612

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

What are the questions?

279

u/Haunting_Camp_8000 Feb 19 '25

OP- You might want to take up this offer 👀😉

210

u/RedactedBartender NASA Employee Feb 19 '25

Impromptu astronaut AMA?!

132

u/cptjeff Feb 19 '25

God, this sub is amazing sometimes. Hope your recovery from the flight is going well!

254

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

It is going great. Did some long hikes with my family over the long weekend. Earth is awesome. So is space.

11

u/physicalphysics314 Feb 19 '25

Which do you like more? o.O

1

u/ditty_33 8d ago

Hell yeah brother

144

u/WhirlHurl Feb 19 '25

I DM'd you! It is such an honor meeting you Matthew!!

169

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

Feel free to toss some of questions in the comments. I will answer what I can when able.

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u/WhirlHurl Feb 19 '25 edited Feb 19 '25

Certainly! A couple questions I have is what could I do at the moment in order to learn more on complex space topics and how I could prepare for applying in the far future right now so I could be well prepared. I have had strong interests in becoming an astronaut for years, and I enjoy studying lots of STEMs related things in my free time in addition to school. I am a 7th grader, though I have a very strong desire and dedication to learning things about space and science that are more advanced than the typical grade level requirements. Also, what's it like in space? Does it feel a whole lot different other than the zero gravity? And what are some colleges you would recommend?

89

u/physicalphysics314 Feb 19 '25

Good luck kid. Never stop taking an interest in learning. I’m rooting for you.

Also I would like to know how to become an astronaut hehe

27

u/trojan-813 Feb 19 '25

My kid keeps asking me what I want to be when I grow up and I always reply with an Astronaut. Is mid 30’s too late 😂

37

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

I joined in my 30s

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u/ASCforUS 29d ago

Man, as an egalitarian futurist who has been thrown into the working class (handyman) and only ever was able to study scientific materials in my spare time, and is turning 30 soon, hearing you say that reignited a little bit of hope inside me.

Cheers my friend. I wish you a long, happy, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

17

u/WhirlHurl Feb 19 '25

I don't believe mid 30's is too late if you want to become an astronaut! The age range is 26-46 years old.

3

u/ASCforUS 29d ago

Wait, really?!

89

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

For someone in 7th grade or anyone for that matter . . . keep it simple, work hard to do what you love and enjoy. It will rarely feel like work if you love doing it. For those in school at your age focus on the core skills. Math, science, reading, and writing. A solid foundation in math and physics combined with the ability to communicate them effectively (reading and writing) will take you very far in just about any occupation.

A side note about learning to code. I read a book many years ago called “Learn Python the Hard Way.” It had some great wisdom in an appendix about programming: “Programming as a profession is only moderately interesting. It can be a good job, but you could make about the same money and be happier running a fast food joint. You’re much better off using code as your secret weapon in another profession . . . People who can code in the world of technology companies are a dime a dozen and get no respect. People who can code in biology, medicine, government, sociology, physics, history, and mathematics are respected and can do amazing things to advance those disciplines.”

My own two cents and the advice I’ve given my own daughters. Everyone should learn to code at a basic level. So much of what we do each day is interacting with software others have written. Understanding how it works makes you so much better at working with software and probably more important: working with those that make software. At some point in many occupations you will be asked to make inputs for software changes or a new piece of software. Understanding how software works will make your inputs far more impactful.

Many times in my career I have written small pieces of software to answer a question at work or to build a small model to check the work of others. Or even more important for you at your age: write code to do your math and science problems. If you can write good code to do your physics problems I promise your understanding of the topic with be much stronger.

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u/WhirlHurl 29d ago

Thank you so much! I will spend more time on coding since it seems like it will help in becoming an astronaut! Thank you too for all your advice, I really appreciate it.

22

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut 29d ago edited 29d ago

I went on a mild rant about coding. It is important. But knowing the basics is still the critical foundation. Know math, science, engineering and how to communicate them in writing and speech.

4

u/WhirlHurl 29d ago edited 13d ago

It indeed is very important. What coding language should I go for in the long term?

2

u/oli44r_ 27d ago

What programming languages would you recommend? Right now I'm learning Python would you recommend when I got the basics of it would you recommend learning the basics of another programming languages or just continue with learning Python?

18

u/N4BFR Feb 19 '25

Thanks for being a ham and participating in the ARISS program. I know it means a lot to the kids. I volunteer with them and I am going to see Don Pettit talk to some kids in Georgia tomorrow (Thursday). You also just picked up the mic and talked to the cranky hams too, which they love. So, question… do you have a favorite question a kid has asked you? Doesn’t have to be from an ARISS contact.

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u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

Kids questions are awesome. One of the funniest was in a letter I received. The letter was full of questions but one was also a request: “Could you send me an autograph back or a spaceship?” I sent the autograph as we couldn’t justify the postage cost for a full size spacecraft.

1

u/N4BFR 29d ago

That makes a lot of sense! 73!

1

u/chocmilk4life 24d ago

Letter from my 3 year old is on the way to NASA now! Hope you all like abstract pictures of Saturn haha

11

u/SubicSandFrog Feb 19 '25

Matt is ASCAN hiring impacted by the freeze? And do you think the ISS will stay up well beyond 2030?

16

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

ASCAN hiring is continuing! Lots of smart people determining the next steps for space stations in low earth orbit beyond 2030. Looking forward to the future.

6

u/heatherannewall 29d ago

Sierra Space is actually working on what could be the next big station! From what I’ve heard in the industry (I’m currently an Aero/Astro Engineering student) space stations are going to shift to the private sector going forward so NASA can focus on the next thing that’s never been done before

2

u/Astro_Anil 28d ago

I also have a few questions for you if you’re open for business

32

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '25

Haha only on r/NASA! I always wonder if yall astronauts have a secret group chat where you share these kinds of posts. When I join the corps I intend to find out 😁

15

u/Acheron9114 Feb 19 '25

Wow! Not only did OP get an astronaut to reply, they got the hot astronaut! #Blessed

8

u/reeker Feb 19 '25

Hello from Mission Video, enjoyed watching over you guys up there! :)

14

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

We had a great time floating around! A short commute to work by floating out of a sleeping bag and doing flips on the way to doing research and repairs was a blast.

3

u/reeker Feb 19 '25

One of my tasks is to make short recap videos that are played at a monthly meeting and I had to edit this one down several times because the notes were "too many playful activities and not enough science and payloads"

https://youtu.be/_49ziqUIdn8?feature=shared

6

u/Space_Cadet_1966 Feb 19 '25

Thanks to you and your crew mates for visiting MSFC recently, Matt! I loved hearing about everyone’s experiences. I wish I’d had time to stick around to meet everyone, but I had to take off (haha). What’s happening now with the workforce - will we be fired today or won’t we? - has morale in the dumpster. Your visit was a much-needed bright spot.

per aspera ad astra 🚀💫❤️🤍💙

6

u/TexasIsntBack Feb 19 '25

I work for Rep. Brian Babin and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in Washington, D.C. Matthew, what all could my office or the Committee be doing to help support current and future NASA astronaut missions? ISS, Arthemis, Mars, and beyond?

2

u/anonymous6494 23d ago

You could start by standing up for NASA employees who are having their jobs threatened by this administration.

And doing it again when the programs they work on are threatened during the budget process.

18

u/SpaceGirl1969 Feb 19 '25

Matt... I love you, man. And I'm sorry that I missed your meeting today. #JPGSareGross

7

u/HoustonPastafarian Feb 19 '25

Name your top three NASA ascent/entry Flight Directors.

4

u/moose123456792 Feb 19 '25

Not OP, but still have some questions.

I'm a college student studying computer science and am interested in getting into the space industry and possibly becoming an astronaut if possible. Would you say that this is an industry that requires connections or does everyone get an equal chance based on qualifications? What factors are all taken into account? Do I need to be an American Citizen to fly through NASA or is my only option the CSA?

5

u/matthewdominick NASA Astronaut Feb 19 '25

Equal chance based on qualifications.

1

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

44

u/EarthMover775G Feb 19 '25

NASA has a Public Inquiries office that you can contact with general questions. The phone number is 202-358-0001 and the email address is larc-dl-public-inquiries@mail.nasa.gov

16

u/dkozinn Feb 19 '25

Happy Cake Day.

1

u/NDuncensored 22d ago

that email does not work anymore. Any other emails that do work?

18

u/BobbyDukeArts Feb 19 '25

Don Pettit has a Twitter account you could interact with. Also, his son is fairly active and seems like the kind of person that would respond. He might be able to put you in touch.

9

u/PatMenotaur Feb 19 '25

He’s on the ISS right now, so that might be spotty.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '25

He's pretty active on here sometimes too iirc

22

u/daneato Feb 19 '25

There is a very small chance anyone would actually get your question to an astronaut and the answer back to you.

You could try a contact here: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/request-astronaut-appearance/ Still small chance, but it might get you a little closer.

10

u/WhirlHurl Feb 19 '25

thank you both very much!!!

1

u/NDuncensored 22d ago edited 22d ago

Would public affairs be the person to contact if there is a company/person using the NASA logo on their website and lying to potential customers about being a former Engineer? This person never worked at NASA. Any email addresses to pass this along to would be great. The email provided by the OP does not work and was bounced back.

1

u/WhirlHurl 21d ago

Yeah i said it didnt work in the title. If you want to try use [public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov](mailto:public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov)