NASA Astronaut Wears Handpainted Spacesuit by Kids with Cancer

Kids of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with one of NASA's astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This astronaut was none other than Kate Rubins of Expedition 49. During the space talk, Rubins was dressed in a colorful garb courtesy of the young patients at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Floating 250 miles above earth, Rubins answered questions for a few kids at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. What was notable about the talk was Rubins' spacesuit which was quite colorful. The spacesuit, which was one of three namely Hope, Courage, and Unity, is part of the US Space Suit Art Project. Rubins had worn the suit "Courage" during the 20-minute talk.

According to NASA, the Space Suit Art Project was designed "to raise awareness about the benefits of pairing art with medicine." MD Anderson Cancer Center had partnered with NASA's Johnson Space Center back in the fall of 2015 for the project.

"This project has really inspired me. It was an amazing opportunity to get a chance to paint with you guys. I remember this suit when it was just a blank canvas and all of you guys painted on it," stated Rubins during the talk. Rubins even managed to do a 360 degree forward roll to show the impressive work of art done on the spacesuit.

"When we were unpacking all the cargo, I said let us look out for this spacesuit. This is so important and all of these kids have made some beautiful art," added Rubins.

As for spacesuit "Unity," it was created at other cancer hospitals across Japan, Russia, and Germany, along with a collaboration from NASA's international partners. These include the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Russian Federal Space Agency.