Don Pettit: The cosmic craftsman who blended science with soul
Don Pettit is an interesting study in contrasts: a veteran astronaut with a scientist’s mind and an artist’s soul. He not only ventured past the atmosphere, conducting pivotal research, but was also well known for his creative on-orbit engineering and breathtaking long-exposure photographs that capture the Earth's celestial glow. Through his work and his words, Pettit put forth a hypnotic vision of space exploration that blended wisdom with great wonder.
Who is Don Pettit?
Donald Roy Pettit, born on April 20, 1955, is a notable American astronaut and chemical engineer, whose legacy in space exploration is extraordinary and far-reaching.
Famed for his groundbreaking contributions in both science and technology, Pettit holds the record for the most number of days spent in space than any other American male astronaut: more than 590 days. At the age of 70, Pettit became the oldest active astronaut and the second oldest person (after John Glenn) to ever reach the Earth’s orbit.
Journey in the cosmos
Pettit’s first journey to space was aboard the Expedition 6 on the ISS as a flight engineer, back in 2002. During this expedition, he conducted two extra vehicular activities (EVAs) and filmed the famous 'Saturday Science' series. His career includes four long-duration stays at the International Space Station (ISS), a space shuttle mission, and a thrilling expedition to Antarctica in search of meteorites, among others.
Technological creations
Pettit also made a breakthrough in space technology with the invention of the Zero G Cup, which ruled out the need for straws in microgravity. This invention received extensive media coverage and also helped Pettit gain the first-ever patent for an object invented in outer space, as featured by the National Geographic magazine in 2009. He also created a barn door tracker, which could capture high-resolution photographs of the Earth's surface.
In an interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Pettit had this to say about his astrophotography:
“One of the things I like to do with my astrophotography is to have a composition and a perspective that’s different than an Earth-centric one, typically showing an Earth horizon with the atmosphere on edge, the limb, and then some kind of astronomy, astrophotography, in relationship to that.”
These words spoken by Pettit showcase his love for space as an artist, and not just as a scientist.
Latest space venture
Pettit's most recent visit to space was aboard the Expedition 71 and 72 as a flight engineer (2024-25). He conducted research on various topics like advanced water sanitisation technologies, fire behaviour in microgravity, plant growth under varying water conditions and much more.
This was Pettit’s fourth space flight—a seven-month-long space station visit. NASA’s oldest soldier returned home last Sunday (April 20) and memorably enough, the homecoming coincided with his 70th birthday.
Sci/Tech