Along with experienced Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryzansky, NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins fielded some questions last Wednesday. The trio was at a press conference held for the crew members of the yet launched Soyuz TMA-10M that is scheduled for take-off on September 23 and dock at the International Space Station the next day. Hopkins will make the trip as Flight Engineer on the Soyuz and then remain at the ISS for Expeditions 37 & 38.

“I’m very fortunate,” Hopkins said of his preparation. “I backed up Chris Cassidy who is a very experienced space flier, and I have Steve Swanson in the back of me as well as an experienced guy and then my commander, Oleg Kotov. Having those folks around as you are going through training has been fantastic because they are able to give you those little nuggets that often you don’t hear in the classroom.”

Born in Lebanon, Mo., Michael S. Hopkins was raised on a farm in the small town of Richland, Mo. After high school in 1987, Hopkins became a student at the University. He earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering during his time here while also competing as a defensive back for the Illini football team and being a member of the Air Force ROTC. When asked about the institution, Hopkins spoke highly of the school and even made a prediction that most Illini fans will be praying for.

“First huge impact I can say is I met my wife there,” Hopkins said. “She has been a huge part of this adventure we’ve been on, and I’ll say that has to be the biggest impact I have had from Illinois. Second, as Sergey alluded to earlier is that every step we have gone through is important. Not only the school aspect of Illinois but from being part of the football team, ROTC and a fraternity. You make lifelong friendships; learn how to be a part of a team and of the community and that has all shaped my opportunity to be here.”

“I’m excited about the upcoming season,” he added “It will be coach (Tim) Beckman’s second season. As far as predictions go, I think we’ll see a winning season and hopefully a bowl game. I expect very good things from the Illini.”

From graduation in 1991 until 2008, Hopkins earned his master’s at Stanford and pursued a successful career in the military. The military career saw him go through flight school then a language school and ultimately pursue a degree in political science degree in Italy. His time in the Air Force saw him rise from second Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel. In 2008, Hopkins assigned as a special assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

While he was still serving in his role for the VJCS in June 2009, Hopkins was assigned to be an astronaut candidate. He began training in August 2009 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 20 and the entire class graduated as astronauts in November 2011. With the voyage in September, Hopkins will be the first astronaut from that class to journey into space. 

“One of the secrets you learn about space flight is that it is different for everybody,” Hopkins said. “You are not really sure how you are going to react once you get up into space. We are going to be a little bit of ‘wait and see’ because for the most part it depends on the individual. As far as the class goes, somebody had to be first. It only means that I’m the first, but I won’t be the only one. I can’t wait to see the rest of my classmates getting here and going through their own press conferences.”

During the time left before the launch and even while he’s in space, Hopkins will also lead a charge in health consciousness. They launched the #TrainLikeMike movement on social media to serve as a motivational tool to others.

“The Train Like an Astronaut program has been going on for several years now,” Hopkins said. “The focus is to encourage kids to get out and exercise and increase their fitness. Fitness has been a huge part of my life growing up, and it still is now. I will be doing it from now until when we get back, and you can see my regimen, and we’ll even be uploading video clips of my workouts. I’m joining along with that, looking forward to participate in it and even getting people to join me.”

Lanre can be reached at [email protected] and @WriterLanre.