NASA's oldest active astronaut Don Pettit embarks on third mission to International Space Station

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, at 69, is the agency's oldest active astronaut. He recently began his third long-duration stay on the International Space Station, opting for unflavored gelatin instead of coffee to conduct scientific experiments. Pettit is known for his curiosity and creativity. During his last mission, he transformed Lego blocks into a Van de Graaff generator, leading to published research in electric fluids. As a chemical engineer, Pettit balances official NASA research with personal experiments during his free time, showcasing his passion for science and education.