Astronaut Revisits Time On Space Station

Two free lectures at The John Drew Theater at Guild Hall on Wednesday, June 27, and Friday, June 29, will feature Marine Colonel and NASA Astronaut Randy Bresnik, who completed two expeditions on the International Space Station, totaling 139 days. The lectures will include a unique perspective with the colonel’s spouse, Rebecca Bresnik, co-presenting.

Hosted by the Montauk Observatory, Col. Bresnik will highlight his experiences aboard the Space Station, where he served as the Commander for Expedition 53 and flight engineer for Expedition 52. His expeditions made 2224 orbits of the Earth and traveled 58,835,163 miles over the course of 139 days, returning in December 2017.

“The Bresniks are both remarkable people,” said Terry Bienstock, president of Montauk Observatory. Rebecca Bresnik is the Associate Chief Counsel for International Matters at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is the lead attorney for the ISS.

“Their personal stories and their accomplishments are inspiring. We are thrilled to be joined by our co-sponsors in bringing the Bresniks to our community for these informative programs. The opportunity for our residents and their kids to spend time with Randy and Rebecca will be something we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

The first lecture scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, at 8 PM is intended for ages 15 years old and up. It will include insight into the life of an astronaut in space and outline the responsibilities each crew member has in the mission’s overall success. It will discuss the complex challenges associated with the missions and focus attention on the international partnership of the 22 countries who participate in the ISS initiative.

The second lecture scheduled for Friday, June 29, at 2 PM is intended for younger audiences, although all ages are welcome. It will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet an astronaut and discuss how to become one. At this family friendly event, Col. Bresnik will speak about his experiences on the ISS and answer questions. There will be photo opportunities and a chance to get an autograph as well.

In order to bring this lecture series to East Hampton, the Montauk Observatory partnered with Guild Hall of East Hampton and Northern Trust, a global leader in financial services. Other sponsors include Stuart’s Seafood Market of Amagansett and Biagio Cru of New Hyde Park.

Andrea Grover, Guild Hall’s Executive Director, said “Guild Hall is proud to partner with the Montauk Observatory on this inspiring and informative program with two extraordinary NASA professionals. This partnership helps further our goal of presenting imaginative programming that expands horizons and contributes to creative thinking.”

Tickets for this lecture series are free, but registration is required. Tickets are available through Guild Hall’s box office by calling 631-324-4050 or visit www.GuildHall.org.

For more information about Col. Bresnik, visit https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/randolph-j-bresnik/biography.