>> Richard Mastracchio: Hi.
I'm NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio.
>> Michael Hopkins: And I'm Mike Hopkins from Expedition 38
on the International Space Station.
People often ask us what it is like to be
on board ISS for the holidays.
Though we miss our families, it's great to be in space.
As astronauts, this is what we train for,
and this is where we want to be.
Opportunities to fly in space are rare.
So we have to take advantage of them whenever they occur.
>> Richard Mastracchio: Like Mike said, we are happy to be
up here orbiting above the Earth.
If we can't be at home with our families during the holidays,
then this is the next best place that any of us would like to be.
The six of us up here are like a family,
and we enjoy many meals together.
Like most people in the US, Thanksgiving means spending time
with my family and enjoying a big meal.
>> Michael Hopkins: And for my family,
we often travel during Thanksgiving
because our relatives are spread out across the US.
It gives us a chance to catch up with loved ones and relax.
>> Richard Mastracchio: And even though Thanksgiving is a work
day here on the Space Station,
we do plan on enjoying a big meal after our work is done.
Here are a few items we've planned to prepare.
We have turkey and stuffed bread dressing.
>> Michael Hopkins: Green bean casserole is one
of my favorites, but this is dehydrated, and we kind of have
to mix it together as we eat it.
>> Richard Mastracchio: And, of course,
we got the dehydrated asparagus and even some baked beans here.
>> Michael Hopkins: A few potatoes as well as bread,
but all they have to do is be heated up in the oven.
>> Richard Mastracchio: And, of course, no good meal is done
without some drinks and a fantastic dessert.
>> Michael Hopkins: So we're all very grateful to be here,
and we are thankful for the ground team
that supports us during the holidays.
We are grateful to the men and women in the military,
especially to those who are also away
from their families on deployment.
>> Richard Mastracchio: From the International Space Station
orbiting 260 miles above the Earth,
we wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.