Earthly politics tinge Minnesota native’s journey on ISS with Russian cosmonauts
A Minnesota native is one of the men and women currently onboard the International Space Station.
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When Mark Vande Hei returns to earth at the end of this month, he’ll be beside two Russian cosmonauts.
Vande Hei graduated from Benilde-Saint Margaret High School in 1985 and is a member of the school’s Hall of Honor.
Given the current climate between the U.S. and Russia, Vande Hei’s friends are concerned about his safe return.
“His family, his friends, his high school community we’re all rooting for him and praying for him that cooler heads will prevail and he’ll be returned safely to the US and to his family,” Vande Hei former high school classmate Steve Pohlan said.
Vande Hei is expected to set the record for the longest single spaceflight for an American when he returns to earth on March 31.
