Roman
Roman is an experienced astronaut on his third mission to space, with over four hundred days logged in orbit. He is methodical, highly disciplined, and uses routines to anchor himself in the disorienting environment of space. Roman keeps count of his time in space by tallying everything from days exercised to toothbrush swallows as a way of maintaining sanity and a connection to reality.
His character embodies precision and a certain introspective detachment. He feels a simultaneous pull towards and repulsion from his earthly home, visualizing himself back in his Moscow apartment but finding the concept strange and foreign. Roman’s role on the station is that of a steadfast and pragmatic observer, grounding the team with his matter-of-factness.
Shaun
Shaun is another long-time astronaut who came into the profession from an early desire to be a fighter pilot. His approach to life and work is philosophical, which makes him the “soul” of the group. He carries a deep love for his family, specifically his wife, whom he met through an unexpected moment of shared understanding and memory (the Velázquez painting lesson).
He is captivated by the contradictions of space—its emptiness and overwhelming presence. His ability to ponder the larger questions of existence without losing touch with the everyday makes him a bridge between the scientific and the metaphysical. The reflections lead him to consider the fragility and beauty of Earth. Consequently, he struggles to reconcile his yearning for exploration with his nostalgia for a grounded life.
Chie
Chie is a Japanese astronaut and scientist described as methodical, fair, and deeply wise. She stands as the "conscience" of the crew since she offers thoughtful and balanced perspectives. Chie’s journey is shaped by her mother’s death which occurs while she is in orbit. This loss reverberates through her as it makes Earth feel at once distant and intensely personal. The dislocation of space exacerbates her sense of longing and grief.
Her history includes a strong cultural connection to Japan since she holds on to memories of her childhood home and the landscapes she associates with her family. Chie’s narrative is colored by a sense of isolation that is different from her crewmates—a personal sorrow amplified by the disconnection of being physically so far from Earth during a time of mourning.
Pietro
Pietro, an Italian astronaut, is characterized by his love of the ordinary and the mundane. For instance, cravings for things like rugs, pointlessly placed ornaments, and small household items. Despite the rigors of space travel, Pietro carries a grounding sensibility that helps the team stay connected to their humanity.
He thinks fondly of the simple comforts of his homeland, imagining wild mint fields in Emilia-Romagna while listening to jazz in space. Pietro’s natural disposition is one of curiosity and optimism but he also embodies a latent yearning for the earthiness of human life. His connection to Earth and his appreciation for its beauty make him the emotional heart of the crew.
Anton
Anton is one of the two Russian cosmonauts on the mission. He is depicted as sentimental and a bit of a romantic, which contrasts with his scientific duties. Moreover, he is deeply affected by the sight of Earth from space and is one of the few crewmembers who openly display his emotions—crying at films and sentimental images.
He and Roman have a complicated camaraderie that is built around shared experience and professional respect. Anton’s character is also influenced by his history in Russia and the emotional burdens he carries with him. He is portrayed as someone who longs for more time in space where life feels both simpler and grander.
Nell
Nell is a British astronaut who is relatively new to space compared to the others. She serves as the group’s “breath” because of her endurance and adaptability required to survive long-duration space missions. Nell’s narrative is defined by her capacity to reconcile the intensity of space with the smallness of human life.
Additionally, her dedication to the crew’s scientific work, specifically the maintenance of living organisms in space, reflects her nurturing personality. Nell’s strength lies in her ability to manage the mundane yet critical tasks aboard the station without losing sight of the bigger picture. She offers a sense of stability and quiet strength to the group.
