"For me, this race is one of the last true adventures of mankind"
German astronaut Matthias Maurer sets off for the International Space Station on Monday
Matthias Maurer (51) is the eleventh German to go into space. On Monday he flies to the International Space Station (ISS) with the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. In a joint interview with "Bild" and "Bild am Sonntag", Maurer, who has been living in Cologne for a long time, reported how much he is looking forward to it and what is really important to him before the flight. "I am very happy that I was chosen for this mission," said Maurer. "For me, this race is one of the last true adventures of mankind.
Maurer's flight is a milestone for German space travel. Before that, only military personnel were in space for Germany. If all goes according to plan, Maurer will dock with the ISS on November 11th. The mission is scheduled to last six months. This is the second operational mission for SpaceX, the company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Maurer is part of the Crew-3 mission. Together with three NASA astronauts, he is to fly to the ISS. Maurer will be responsible for the European part of the ISS during his mission. He is also planning science experiments such as cultivating mini brains in space.
"I want to show my children that they can achieve anything"
Maurer also emphasizes the importance of family in the interview. "I want to show my children that they can achieve everything," says Maurer. "I hope I can make them proud." He also emphasizes how important a role his wife plays for him. "She is my greatest supporter," says Maurer. "I'm so happy I have her by my side." Maurer says he'll miss his wife and children the most when he's in space. "But I'll be able to talk to them every day. And I'll be able to see them again soon," says Maurer. The astronaut is also looking forward to the physical and mental challenges that await him in space. "I'm ready for the challenges," says Maurer. "I'm confident that I'll be able to overcome them.
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