If you want to be an astronaut, you need experience in engineering, mathematics, or science, plus experience as a pilot-in-command. And, it turns out, you need some social media savvy, too.

Ever since Canadian Chris Hadfield took command of the International Space Station, tweeting updates and photos at us specks of flesh on Earth has been part of the gig.

Commander Tim Kopra, who launched into space this December, has been tweeting photos of global cities, particularly at nighttime, including Kansas City, Moscow, Athens, and more, as well as landscapes and some slices of life aboard the ISS.

Filed Under: d.c., international space station,