York astronaut Chris Cassidy shares story of life on space station

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Astronaut Chris Cassidy, left, a York High School graduate, jokes Monday with YHS Principal Robert Stevens before speaking to students. Cassidly recently returned to Earth after six months on the International Space Station.Deb Cram photo

November 04, 2013 3:47 PM

YORK, Maine York High School students got an instant appreciation for life in space after astronaut Chris Cassidy told them to imagine not only attending school, but living in the building as well.

Laughter and groans were heard from those in the auditorium.

I got back six weeks ago from spending six months on the space station, Cassidy told them on Monday. It really was my home.

Cassidy, a 1988 graduate of York High School, compared launch day to Christmas morning and being on the launch pad to stepping onto the field for a York vs. Marshwood football game.

It takes time to get used to zero gravity, he said. Those who have been on the space station for awhile float effortlessly through corridors, while newcomers bump into things, he said.

One of the best parts is sitting, or floating, in the cupola at the bottom of the space station which has an 180-degree view, he said.

Earth appears to spin quickly 250 miles below, he said.

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York astronaut Chris Cassidy shares story of life on space station