Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I started this blog to document the actions I am taking in trying to become an astronaut. It's my ultimate goal, my dream. Every week or so I post a new update to recap the week or add interesting pictures. I hope you enjoy the site and remember to follow your dreams no matter what others may think of them.
About Damaris
- Damaris Sarria Toepel
- Somerville, MA, United States
- Welcome to my blog! I grew up in California and later attended Texas A&M University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. I also hold a Master's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I previously worked at Kennedy Space Center for Boeing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter's Thermal Protection System. I transitioned to an engineering position with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA. I applied for the 2009 astronaut candidate program, but unfortunately did not get a call back. I applied again in early 2011 so fingers crossed! I currently am working on continuing my advanced education, involvement with space advocacy, and continuing to do all that I love in life!
Site Visitors
4 comments:
Hey, Damaris. Love your blog! keep it up.
I was wondering if you could clear something up for me. Saw the news footage of the Endeavour landing last night and I noticed something I had never seen before. As the shuttle was rolling to a stop, there was some sort of flame shooting up from where the tail meets the payload bay. What was that?
Good question, Ed! The flame was due to exhaust venting produced by the orbiter's three auxiliary power units, which provide the muscle needed to move the ship's wing flaps, speed brake, landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering. The exhaust appeared normal in infrared views, but was more pronounced than usual in NASA's visible-light camera.
I really loved how at the end, the call for commitment to the night landing was up to Commander Gorie. Very wise- you can have everything else in the green, but if the crew isn't comfortable with night ops then why force it?
Wow, did not know that. Cool stuff. Thanks for the explanation, Damaris! :)
Post a Comment