NASA has shared a letter from astronaut Frank Culbertson, the only American not on Earth during the 9/11 attacks, as he was aboard the International Space Station. From 250 miles above, Culbertson witnessed the collapse of the South Tower and described the horror of seeing smoke rising from New York City. He captured the moment on video and later reflected on the overwhelming sense of helplessness and isolation he felt, unable to assist.
Culbertson wrote about the disbelief he initially felt when he learned of the attack, comparing it to something out of a Tom Clancy novel. He described the smoke’s strange appearance from space, noting that he was likely witnessing the aftermath of the second tower’s collapse. The emotional impact of being so far from his country during such a tragedy deeply affected him.
In his letter, Culbertson emphasized the historical significance of the event, predicting that the world had entered a “terrible shift” that would forever change many aspects of life, including space exploration. He also shared the emotional weight of learning that his Naval Academy classmate, Charles Burlingame, had piloted the plane that struck the Pentagon.
Culbertson’s words convey the profound sadness and isolation he experienced during one of the darkest moments in American history, viewed from an unimaginable vantage point. His letter remains a powerful reflection on the tragedy, even 23 years later.
