War In Ukraine Brings Tension To Russian, U.S. Space Programs

Mark Vandehei spent nearly a year on the ISS, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. His mission aimed to study microgravity's effects on the human body. During his stay, Russia invaded Ukraine, raising questions about US-Russia relations in space. Speculation arose when Russian crew members wore yellow and blue suits, thought to show solidarity with Ukraine, but Vandehei clarified it was unintentional. A Twitter spat between Scott Kelly and Russia's space program head did not affect Vandehei's confidence in international cooperation. He has since returned to Earth, adjusting to gravity with some discomfort.

What was the primary objective of Mark Vandehei's mission on the International Space Station?

• To test new space travel technologies

• To conduct experiments on plant growth in space

• To study the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body

• To set a new world record for the longest spaceflight

What event occurred while Vandehei was on the space station that could have caused tension?

• A solar flare

• A meteor shower

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine

• A malfunction in the space station's systems

What was the speculation about the Russian crew's yellow and blue flight suits?

• They were showing support for Ukraine

• They were a new design by NASA

• They were a tribute to a Russian university

• They were part of a space fashion show

How did Vandehei perceive the Twitter threats about being abandoned on the space station?

• He was very worried and anxious

• He dismissed them as not serious

• He took them seriously and prepared for the worst

• He was unaware of them until he returned to Earth

What record does Russia still hold in terms of spaceflight duration?

• Longest single spaceflight

• Most astronauts in space at once

• Most space missions completed

• Longest spacewalk