Story perspectives

Astronaut Don Pettit Captures Dzhanibekov Effect in Space

11/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Don Pettit, veteran astronaut and photographer, demonstrated the Dzhanibekov effect aboard the International Space Station using his Nikon camera.
The Dzhanibekov effect, named after Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov, involves a rotating object flipping its axis by 180 degrees in microgravity.
From September 2024 to April 2025, Pettit collaborated with National Geographic photographer Babak Tafreshi on a photo series and used a star tracker designed by Ted Kinsman.

1 of 1

Story summary

Don Pettit, veteran astronaut and photographer, demonstrated the Dzhanibekov effect aboard the International Space Station using his Nikon camera.
The Dzhanibekov effect, named after Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov, involves a rotating object flipping its axis by 180 degrees in microgravity.
From September 2024 to April 2025, Pettit collaborated with National Geographic photographer Babak Tafreshi on a photo series and used a star tracker designed by Ted Kinsman.