Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 39 minutes ago

---

Recently I had the honor of interviewing Tom Henricks, a four-time Space Shuttle astronaut and Air Force veteran. He flew two missions as pilot and two as commander, and I got to sit down with him to discuss his time in space and the future of space flight. This was a HUGE personal bucket list item for me to get to talk to an astronaut, and I can't thank him enough for coming on the show. All video and images credits are from NASA's public repository.

Video Chapters:

0:00 - Intro
1:30 - Becoming an Astronaut
4:15 - Launching into Space
7:55 - Four Different Launches
13:58 - Difficulties and Operating in Space
24:40 - Adapting to Space
26:18 - Flying the Shuttle
28:36 - Changed Perspective Since Going to Space
30:08 - Recent SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch
31:46 - Technology… Then and Now
33:12 - Landing the Shuttle
37:44 - Re-Entry
39:44 - Post-Mission Transition
42:25 - Spouses During Missions
44:22 - Weightlessness
47:20 - Application to Business Setting
47:50 - Current Aviation Interests and Pursuits
49:58 - Future of Space Program
51:41 - Favorite Aircraft
52:25 - Advice to Aspiring Astronauts
53:20 - Tom’s Challenge to Young People
55:13 - Socks
55:39 - Thank You

As always, read more aviation tips, tricks, and FAQs at airplaneacademy.com

If you want to know more about me (Charlie), here's my bio and aviation bucket list: airplaneacademy.com/charlie-gasmire