Watch VP Kamala Harris Speak to NASA Astronauts in Space

VP Harris Speak to NASA Astronauts in Space

(Image credit: NASA)

published 24 March 2021

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.

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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.