25 years ago, a NASA astronaut witnessed the tragic 9/11 attacks from space. Here's what he saw.
NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson saw the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks from the International Space Station in 2001. His view and his reaction were captured on video.
In 2001, NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson was the only American in space during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. As the International Space Station (ISS) orbited Earth on September 11, Culbertson witnessed the devastation from space. He immediately reported the tragic event to Mission Control, providing a unique perspective of the destruction.
Culbertson described seeing the smoke from the fires and expressed his thoughts and prayers for the victims. He also noted how the ISS, dedicated to improving life on Earth, witnessed such terrible acts. Culbertson's observations were published in an open letter, highlighting the impact of the attacks on the country and the world.
Culbertson, who served as ISS commander for Expedition 3, retired from NASA in 2002 and continued working in the private sector. NASA honored 9/11 victims and families through various initiatives, including flying American flags on space shuttle missions.
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