Kelly Clarkson Just Called 2 NASA Astronauts in Space. Here's What They Said (Video)

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch chatted with singer and talk-show host Kelly Clarkson from the International Space Station today (Nov. 14), discussing everything from spacewalking to self-care and even moonwalking.

Before beginning the chat, which happened on Clarkson's talk show, the "American Idol" winner  exclaimed, "Look how cute they are; they're in space! So, technically, they're aliens, cause they're in space," before realizing her microphone was on. Once connected with the astronauts, Clarkson marveled at Koch and Meir's incredible journey and floating microphone and asked, "What was it like the first time you made it to space? How did you feel?"

"It was an absolutely incredible feeling," Koch said. When she saw Earth below her the first time, she thought, "I knew, yes, I am really in space." 

Related: NASA Astronauts Make History with 1st All-Woman Spacewalk
More:
The 1st All-Woman Spacewalk: Photos, Videos and Tweets

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch complete a "flip trick" on the International Space Station while on a call with singer and talk-show host Kelly Clarkson on Nov. 14, 2019.  (Image credit: NASA/YouTube)

"What's the purpose of this particular mission? What work are you doing up there right now?" Clarkson asked. 

"Any type of science, we are doing it up here," Meir said. She described some of the specific investigations, such as protein crystal growth experiments and combustion experiments that are done on the station. Scientists are studying how microgravity affects the human body and operations over the long term, to inform future long-duration missions into deeper space, Koch said.

The conversation took a turn for the silly as Clarkson asked, "Has any astronaut ever moonwalked while doing a spacewalk?" Koch and Meir didn't didn't think so, but Koch said they would mention it to astronauts Luca Parmitano and Andrew Morgan, who are set to do a spacewalk tomorrow (Nov. 15). 

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch chatted today (Nov. 14, 2019) with singer and talk-show host Kelly Clarkson.  (Image credit: NASA/YouTube)

After discussing the challenges facing astronauts on spacewalks, Clarkson asked if Koch and Meir could do flips in the microgravity environment on the space station. Meir held her knees to her chest, and Koch spun her around. 

Clarkson asked if they had any advice for girls watching you who might want to be astronauts.

"I think that one of the things every single astronaut will say is, it's important to follow your passions," Koch said. "You really have to remember that it's OK to take a risk," Meir added. "You have to be willing to take that risk and accept that you're going to fail along the way."

Astronaut self-care 

After chatting with Clarkson, Meir and Koch took some time to speak with Madison Feller of Elle magazine. After asking how the astronauts got where they are today (Meir even mentioned her first job as a lifeguard), Feller asked the pair about self-care on the space station and if and how they find opportunities to unwind and find some work-life balance. 

"The only difference between the space station during work and during our off-time is whether the cameras are on," Koch said. "So, at the end of the workday, when the crew has their dinner, is one of the few times that they have to relax. But it's really important to recharge, so people may take some personal time during lunch. Getting lost in her work and focusing on the task at hand help her de-stress.

One of the best "escapes" the astronauts have on board the space station is looking out the window. "It is absolutely, phenomenally beautiful," Koch said. 

Meir and Koch recently completed the first all-woman spacewalk together, replacing one of the station's 24 battery charge/discharge units. Both astronauts are on a short list of women in NASA's Astronaut Corps who may be chosen as the first woman to land on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis 3 mission, which is set to launch by 2024. 

Follow Chelsea Gohd on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

All About Space Holiday 2019

Need more space? Subscribe to our sister title "All About Space" Magazine for the latest amazing news from the final frontier! (Image credit: All About Space)

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Chelsea Gohd
Senior Writer

Chelsea “Foxanne” Gohd joined Space.com in 2018 and is now a Senior Writer, writing about everything from climate change to planetary science and human spaceflight in both articles and on-camera in videos. With a degree in Public Health and biological sciences, Chelsea has written and worked for institutions including the American Museum of Natural History, Scientific American, Discover Magazine Blog, Astronomy Magazine and Live Science. When not writing, editing or filming something space-y, Chelsea "Foxanne" Gohd is writing music and performing as Foxanne, even launching a song to space in 2021 with Inspiration4. You can follow her on Twitter @chelsea_gohd and @foxannemusic.