Former Army aviator Anne McClain is currently leading crew 10 on a mission to the International Space Station. Other team members include Japanese astronaut Takyua Onishi, Russian Cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, and American astronaut Maj. Nichole Ayers. They blasted off on March 14.
"Crew 10 docked on the ISS early Sunday morning where after helping Crew 9 return to earth, the team will perform multiple space experiments including tests of human biology in space, lunar navigation and fire safety," an Army press release described.
"It really struck me how these missions are not easy," said McClain during a press event. "They are so complex. And it takes a very large team of people who are doing work that at times is thankless."
Prior to becoming an astronaut, McClain served as an Army aviator flying helicopters, including Kiowa and the Lakota Eurocopter. She credits everything she learned about leadership to her experiences as an Army officer.
"That experience was pivotal for me learning how to lead through recognizing and maximizing the contributions of each member of my team. One leader cannot do it all by themselves; these operations are far too complex," she said.
On her previous expedition, she also completed 13 hours of space walks and, with fellow crew members, completed over 200 experiments per day they were in space.
"I am incredibly humbled and grateful and honored to be serving as commander of Crew 10 on this mission," McClain said. "My background [in the Army] is in helicopters, so this is going to go just one or two knots faster from what I’m accustomed to."