We need a system to stay on Moon longer: Ex-NASA astronaut

Former NASA astronaut Jerry Ross, who flew in seven space shuttle missions during 1985-2002, said he suffered from a 'space life crisis' moment after his last flight. He was addressing at the Purdue University's global ideas festival in Mumbai on Friday. It's easier to go to the moon and than think of Mars, he said.

For a long-term journey to the Moon, a system needs to be developed to get basic necessity like electricity, water supply, he said.

Ross, who holds the record for most number of space flights, said, "We need to develop a system to live on the Moon for an extended journey. Few of the needs include an electrical power supply other than oxygen and water. It is an engineering challenge to set up a power supply."

A space shuttle mission needs huge amount of funds. It depends upon the political decision of the country to work in this field. He added, "During my generations, there was an increase in the emphasis of science and space due to which many wanted to opt for STEM studies and activities. The success of innovation and research in this sector also depends upon the type of political system and decisions."

About the gennext's interest in this profession, he added, "Indian students and engineers I am associated with are very talented people."

Recalling his meeting with Kalpana Chawla, American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, he said, "She was a delightful lady. It was fun to be around and an intelligent lady."