--- title: "That time an astronaut snuck a gorilla suit into space" description: "Former NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly once received a full gorilla suit in a care package while living on the International Space Station." date: "2022-02-08" modified: "2023-02-05" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-humor/astronaut-wore-gorilla-suit-in-space/" categories: - "Entertainment" --- # That time an astronaut snuck a gorilla suit into space ![gorilla suit in space]() Retired U.S. Navy Captain and former [NASA Astronaut]() Scott Kelly once received a full gorilla suit in a care package while living on the International Space Station. He didn't tell anyone about it. One day, without warning his fellow crew, he put it on. Hilarity ensued. And luckily for us, there’s video: https://twitter.com/StationCDRKelly/status/702239878323372032?s=20 Kelly was a fighter pilot in the Navy before becoming a [U.S. astronaut](). A veteran of four space flights, he commanded the International Space Station (ISS) on three expeditions and was a member of the yearlong mission to the ISS from March 27, 2015, to March 2, 2016. His book, *Infinite Wonder*, features the photographs he took during that year. In October 2015, he set the record for the total accumulated number of days spent in space. It was his brother, Captain Mark Kelly, who sent the gorilla suit care package. Mark Kelly is also a retired U.S. Navy pilot, engineer, and NASA astronaut, and the husband of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Who else could get away with sending such a gift? https://twitter.com/CaptMarkKelly/status/701927839344373760 The Kelly twins have also been part of an [investigation on the health effects of long-term space flight](). While Scott lived aboard the ISS for a year, Mark remained on Earth as a “genetically identical ground control.” Scientists have been able to discern the effects of space on the human body to the DNA and chromosomal level, from Scott’s gut microbiome to the thickening in his retina and carotid artery. These kinds of studies help give clues toward human health as we explore space. While the ISS is in low-Earth orbit and not deep space like, say, Mars, the findings give scientists more information about the effects of space travel. ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()