Washington astronaut details journey with NASA in chat from space with Gov. Inslee

High up in the atmosphere, astronaut Kayla Barron, a Washington state native, spoke with Gov. Inslee this week about her path to the International Space Station.

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The two touched on a range of topics, from the importance of protecting the Earth, to her journey with NASA.

“At night, there’s this sort of burnt orange glow at the edge of the atmosphere — it’s paper thin,” Barron described. “It’s amazing to recognize how fragile that is, and what a careful balance we need to maintain.”

Speaking to her road into space after growing up in the Tri-Cities, she credited her education and community as the keys to launching her to the stars.

“I had fantastic teachers, mentors, and coaches, including my mom who coached me at Richland High for cross-country and track,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without those influences.”

For Gov. Inslee, he described his conversation with Barron as “the highlight” of his time as governor, “both from a mileage standpoint and an inspiration standpoint.”

Barron will remain at the International Space Station for the holidays, but plans to make a trip home to Richland once she’s back on the ground.

“I miss everybody down there,” she said.

You can watch Inslee’s full conversation with Barron below: