In an unexpected turn of events at the Johnson Space Center, local astronaut Tim “Twinkle Toes” Jenkins made headlines today after reportedly forgetting that Earth is round during a routine mission briefing. The seasoned space traveler, known for his impeccable zero-gravity ballet moves, shocked his colleagues when he requested a “straight space travel route” to the International Space Station.
According to insiders, Jenkins, mid-explanation of orbital trajectories, suddenly interrupted the session to insist on a direct, linear path through space. “Why are we always taking the scenic curved route? Can’t we just go straight up and get there faster?” Jenkins reportedly asked, leaving mission control momentarily speechless.
NASA engineers scrambled to explain the concept of orbital mechanics, gently reminding him that space isn’t a giant flat highway but a three-dimensional curve around a globe. Jenkins responded by suggesting the creation of “space express lanes” that would make travel more efficient and less dizzying.
The incident has sparked a wave of online memes, with #FlatSpaceJenkins trending on social media. One popular tweet humorously proposed a new space tagline: “Why go round when you can go straight?”
Despite the mix-up, mission officials maintain that Jenkins remains one of their most skilled astronauts. “He might misunderstand Earth’s shape occasionally,” said Mission Director Karen Silva, “but when it comes to floating in zero gravity and handling spacewalks, he’s out of this world.”
Jenkins himself appeared unfazed by the confusion in a statement released earlier today: “I’m just trying to think outside the globe. Maybe next mission, I’ll bring a map that’s flat and see if we can shake things up.”
Experts advise Jenkins to revisit basic geography before his next briefing, but fans are already looking forward to his unique take on space travel in upcoming missions. Whether Earth is round or flat in his mind, one thing’s certain – Tim Jenkins keeps the space program entertaining.