You know it's going to be a good day when the vice president of the United States calls you while you're on the job—in space! In a video exclusively shared with Marie Claire, Vice President Kamala Harris chatted with NASA astronauts Shannon Walker and Kate Rubins, who are currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month mission, in honor of Women's History Month.
"Greetings from the White House, which is where I am right now," VP Harris says excitedly at the beginning of the video. The vice president then asks Astronaut Walker and Astronaut Rubins to tell viewers what they're currently researching in space. Astronaut Walker, who has a PhD in space physics, explains that they are working with free-floating satellites that will help with future explorations to the moon and Mars (!!), and studying hundreds of worms to look at how muscle strength changes in space.
"I don't think any of us really thought we would be astronauts," Astronaut Rubins—the first person to sequence DNA in space!—tells VP Harris. "So I would encourage everybody who's even thinking about it, just don't hold yourself back. All of our crew members do what we do because we love it. We love every minute of it."
Towards the end of the video, VP Harris expressed her gratitude for the astronauts and extended an invitation to them to come visit the White House when their "feet are back on the ground." Casual.
Watch the full video with VP Harris, above. Then, if you want to learn more about the past, present, and future of women and space, explore Marie Claire's Women & Space package here.
Related Story
Related Story
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Ex-Husband Owes Her Even More Money After He Allegedly "Violated Labor Laws" as Her Manager
The "Stronger" star was already awarded $2.6 million in a previous lawsuit.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Robert Downey Jr. Discusses the Highs and Lows of His Career After Oscar Win
"I think if you develop a moral psychology, things are a lot easier."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Anne Hathaway Steals the Show at SXSW Movie Premiere in a Sparkling Mini Dress
The 'Les Míserables' star's red carpet look featured geometric highlights.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
New Film Series 'Five' Celebrates Female Entrepreneurs Making Change
Filmmaker Lisa Madison's new project highlights five female entrepreneurs who are determined to make a positive impact on their communities.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Marcella Nunez-Smith Is Making COVID-19 Care More Equitable (And So Much More)
The leader of Biden's Health Equity Task Force is getting to work.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
The Big Business of Activism
What happens when a social-justice movement grows so much, it must pivot to become an office-space-occupying, salary-paying, benefits-offering operation?
By Britt Peterson Published
-
How Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA Pulled Off a Slam-Dunk Season
Engelbert brought business savvy, and compassion, when the WNBA needed it most.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
This Chef Is Feeding Maryland’s Hungry—in More Ways Than One
Monique Jordan leads a job training program run by the Maryland Food Bank, fighting the state's hunger crisis by helping students learn how to help themselves.
By Kristen Mascia Published
-
The Global Business of Glam
An innovative model for beauticians provides fair pay, training, and independence for women in Pakistan.
By Saba Imtiaz Published
-
WNBA Players Finally Win a Better Contract
After 23 seasons of subpar playing conditions, a new collective bargaining agreement finally prioritizes female athletes.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
The Women Fighting to Save the World
These changemakers—teens and septuagenarians alike—are putting in the work to right our environmental wrongs before it's too late.
By The Editors Published