Let's make this birthday one to remember.

71 years old (Born on September 02, 1953)

Happy Birthday, Gerhard! You've boldly gone where few physicists have ventured—floating gracefully aboard STS-99 and mapping Earth's surface with precision. Rumor has it that gravity still misses you dearly!

Your stellar achievements continue to inspire us all back here on Earth. May your birthday be filled with cosmic joy, laughter that's out of this world, and cake delicious enough to defy physics itself.

Here's wishing our favorite astronaut-scientist another orbit around the sun full of happiness—and may your jokes always land better than a shuttle returning home! Keep reaching for the stars (but please don't float away).