Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov stole all the attention during a spacewalk on the International Space Station when he showed a sign that read “Mom, I put on my winter hat”, a funny message that referenced the typical concern of Russian mothers about keeping their children warm even when they are in outer space, where temperatures can reach -270°C.
The spacewalk lasted more than 5 hours and was successfully completed alongside his crewmate Sergey Mikaev, but the most viral moment was undoubtedly that gesture of tenderness that connected with millions of people around the world who were reminded of their own mothers worrying about them.
Kud-Sverchkov later clarified that the sign was intended for a personal photo and that it was an improvisation he never expected to appear in the official broadcast, but that the phrase is a symbolic reminder to appreciate and remember our mothers’ care regardless of the circumstances.
