Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Working at the Johnson Space Center for the day.....

I just got back to Orlando from Houston. Today I participated in a simulation of inspecting on-orbit imagery of the Orbiter's RCC panels. I was able to become acquainted with the criteria and different types of discrepancies the inspection team may encounter during the actual mission. During re-entry, the underbelly of the Orbiter heats up far less than the leading edge of the wings or the Orbiter nose cap. Hence, evaluation of these RCC components is very critical for the safe return of our astronauts.

Now, I have to continue typing my research proposal for school. I have finals coming up and only about 3 weeks of school left! Yikes!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good friend of mine from college, Dan P., works at JSC shuttle flight sim. Been there for years now. Great photos!

mark_smith said...

Great set of photos have you got any more trips planned??

Mark

Damaris Sarria Toepel said...

The next trip will be to Houston in a couple of weeks for the June 8th launch of STS-117!