Thanksgiving in Space: Astronauts Celebrate on the International Space Station

On November 27, 2025, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Thanksgiving with a special communal meal, marking a festive occasion 250 miles above Earth. The crew, which included NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Jonny Kim, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, welcomed three new members from the Soyuz MS-28 mission, bringing the total onboard to ten. The Soyuz spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and docked with the ISS after a swift three-hour flight.

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NASA prepared a "Holiday Bulk Overwrapped Bag" (BOB) filled with traditional Thanksgiving foods, including turkey, mashed potatoes, clams, oysters, crab meat, and even lobster. Fincke expressed his enthusiasm for the meal, stating, “This is my second Thanksgiving in space, so I highly recommend it.” Cardman highlighted the thoughtful preparations made by NASA's ground teams, emphasizing the importance of these meals for emotional well-being in the isolation of space. “Good old comfort food. And this is what I think Thanksgiving represents in space,” remarked Mark Marquette, museum director with the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation.

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The diverse crew aboard the ISS exemplifies international collaboration, with astronauts from the United States, Russia, and Japan sharing the holiday. Kimiya Yui noted the cultural respect among crew members, stating, “We don’t have Thanksgiving in Japan, but here, on ISS, everybody respects each other’s culture.” This sentiment underscores the ISS as a microcosm of global unity, where culinary traditions serve as a bridge among different cultures.

NASA and Russian Cosmonauts Launch to the ISS in Historic Soyuz Mission

The celebration of Thanksgiving in space is not merely about food; it plays a crucial role in maintaining the astronauts' psychological health. Familiar dishes help reduce stress and combat homesickness, fostering a sense of normalcy during extended missions. Fincke reflected on the emotional weight of the occasion, acknowledging the absence of family while cherishing the camaraderie with his "space family."

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Beyond the holiday festivities, the newly arrived crew members will engage in critical research and experiments during their eight-month stay on the ISS. This includes tasks such as installing the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) and utilizing GigaChat, an AI tool designed to assist in managing the Russian segment of the station. These initiatives highlight the ongoing integration of technology and international cooperation in space exploration.

NASA and Russian Cosmonauts Launch to the ISS in Historic Soyuz Mission

• “This is my second Thanksgiving in space, so I highly recommend it.” — Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut

Thanksgiving on ISS: Nasa astronauts celebrate the US festival in space

• “We have got everything here, from turkey and the traditional things that Mike mentioned, some mashed potatoes, to crab meat, salmon, and we even have some lobster, which is amazing!” — Zena Cardman, NASA Astronaut

NASA and Russian Cosmonauts Launch to the ISS in Historic Soyuz Mission

• “We don’t have Thanksgiving in Japan, but here, on ISS, everybody respects each other’s culture,” — Kimiya Yui, JAXA Astronaut

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• “Good old comfort food. And this is what I think Thanksgiving represents in space,” — Mark Marquette, U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation

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The Thanksgiving celebration aboard the ISS serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the importance of connection, even in the vastness of space.

Thanksgiving on ISS: Nasa astronauts celebrate the US festival in space