"It's sure an expensive pleasure to make a space outing, but it's worth the money. It is extremely interesting. Whoever makes a space flight once thirsts for another and yet another," remarked Sharipov, ISS engineer.
"We are enthusiastic about ever new space tourists-the experience thoroughly changes one. It makes one kinder," he added.
As for ISS celebrations, the crew will have three days off. "It's quite a holiday," said Salizhan. "But then, I don't think we can afford to relax. Every day at the station costs a huge sum, so the job must go on."
The spacemen will have a modest diet to see New Year in-steaks from the American ration with pearl barley meal. "We'll start our little party while above Japan, and finish above the Hawaii."
The crew will get down, within a few days, to preparations to emerge into the open space on a venture tentatively scheduled for January 27. "I'll spend half my [Eastern Christian] Christmas day off, January 7, to get ready," said Salizhan.
