Astronaut Jonny Kim Leverages Gaming Skills for Space Missions
The crew of Expedition 73 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) engaged in a series of critical activities from August 25 to August 29, 2025, including the unpacking of a significant cargo shipment and the execution of vital scientific experiments. Among the crew members, astronaut Jonny Kim showcased how his background as a gamer can contribute to future space missions.
In a recent social media update, Kim, a former Navy SEAL and medical doctor, reflected on his gaming experiences. He stated, “Growing up, I played a lot of video games — and while I still enjoy gaming with my kids, time is scarcer these days.” His enthusiasm for a recent demonstration involving teleoperations highlighted the potential for gaming technology in space exploration.
Working alongside the Surface Avatar team from the European Space Agency (ESA), Kim tested how advanced robotic controls could aid future lunar and Martian missions. He described the setup, which utilized a joystick and an advanced robotic arm controller, allowing him to replicate finger and wrist movements with remarkable precision. The system provided a heads-up display featuring battery levels, location data, and quick access to support teams.
Kim elaborated on the capabilities, stating, “I could enlarge a mini-map to see each robot’s perspective, like a ‘fog of war’ in strategy games.” He noted that this technology not only serves as a demonstration but also represents a merging of play, imagination, and innovation in shaping the future of exploration.
Scientific Research on the ISS
The Expedition 73 crew, including flight engineer Zena Cardman of NASA, took part in several scientific studies this week. One notable experiment was the MVP Cell-07, which arrived via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on August 25. Cardman set up the Maturation of Vascularized Liver Tissue Construct in Zero Gravity experiment, aimed at studying the behavior of 3D-printed liver tissue in a microgravity environment.
Additionally, astronaut Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mike Fincke of NASA collaborated on the Ultrasound 2 study. This project involved testing a potential countermeasure for liquid redistribution in microgravity, with Fincke wearing a specially designed thigh cuff while Yui collected data from electrodes placed on Fincke’s chest.
Operational Activities and Cargo Handling
In addition to scientific endeavors, the Expedition 73 crew focused on maintaining the ISS systems and preparing for future research missions. The SpaceX CRS-33 mission delivered more than 5,000 pounds (approximately 2,300 kilograms) of supplies on August 25, prompting extensive unpacking efforts. Cardman shared the excitement of the crew on social media, stating, “Boop! We have a new Dragon at the bow of our International Space Station.”
NASA engineers in Houston remotely controlled the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to remove and inspect a reboost kit included in the CRS-33 mission. This equipment is essential for maintaining and raising the ISS’s altitude, ensuring the orbital complex remains functional for ongoing research.
As of August 29, 2025, the ISS hosts a crew of seven, comprising Commander Sergey Ryzhikov of Roscosmos, cosmonauts Alexey Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov, along with NASA astronauts Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, and Mike Fincke, and JAXA’s Kimiya Yui. The station has been continuously crewed for over 24 years and continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific research and international collaboration in space exploration.
