Astronaut Jonny Kim spoke at NASA’s Johnson Space Center following his return from an extended mission aboard the International Space Station, reflecting on both the scientific achievements and the deeply human aspects of spaceflight. He described the joy of readjusting to Earth—feeling weather, gravity, and sensory richness again—while emphasizing that serving NASA and humanity through exploration and science remains a profound privilege. Among his most rewarding works were life sciences experiments such as the MABEL study on bone stem cells in microgravity, with implications for preventing bone loss in astronauts and treating musculoskeletal diseases on Earth, as well as experiments testing remote robotic control for future planetary operations. Kim also reflected on the milestone of 25 years of continuous human presence on the ISS, calling it an extraordinary engineering and international achievement. He shared candid insights into life in orbit, noting how simple tasks become difficult while heavy work becomes effortless in microgravity, and discussed the physical challenges of space adaptation, including motion sickness and vestibular disorientation. Some of his favorite moments included viewing powerful auroras from the Cupola, sharing meals and holidays with crewmates, and witnessing Earth’s natural events from orbit. Kim highlighted the importance of teamwork, empathy, and “soft skills” in long-duration missions, especially as humanity looks toward the Moon and Mars through programs like Artemis. Drawing from his Korean-American background, he spoke about the value of diverse perspectives and international cooperation in space exploration. He closed by underscoring his commitment to sharing the human story of spaceflight—believing it inspires future generations—and expressed his desire to continue serving NASA, whether in space or on the ground.