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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!
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7 comments:
Hi: Damaris: Nice site. You did a good job at it. Sorry to read that you did not get an interview for the 2009 NASA Selection Process, but you are very young and I am sure they will be plenty of opportunities ahead for you.
Speaking of opportunities, are you interested in being a space officer in the Army Reserve? If you, please drop me a line and we can chat about it.
Good Luck,
Anthony/Riverside, CA.
anthony.gordon@yahoo.com
Wonder who took this photo. There seem to be 2 ways to become astronauts. 1 way is to become the best of the best in a particular field. The other way is to become a celebrity. Having 7 people per launch must have made it easier to get in without being the world's best pilot, but in a world of Soyuz & Shenzous launching only 3 people at a time, the celebrities may find it more difficult to get in.
Based on what I have seen over recent years, in the United States at least, unless you are a military pilot and/or teacher you will need your PhD in a Physical Science and some science based work experience after that. The current astronaut bios bear this out. Military Service can not hurt and would be a nice addition. I would recommend it to anyone who has the interest in serving in the military and will qualify. Obviously it is not for anyone, but it does provide leadership and team experience, something that is highly valued at NASA as well.
Anthony
it takes the yearning to get out into the blue yonder..i think its that what it takes
True, but the yearning won't get you hired or even to the interview stage, but a PhD most likely will at least move you along in the process. Military Service can't hurt and I would encourage it since NASA does value the team work and leadership training that it provides.
Anthony
C'mon. Even with 7 astros per launch, you can hardly say it's easy to become an astronaut.
No one says that it is easy to be selected because it isn't. My point is that if you don't have a PhD in a hard science with some field experience in that field or are not currently serving active duty in the military as a pilot, serving as an officer in the Army Reserves will bring you valuable operational and leadership experience that NASA will most likely see as positive. I would highly encourage any one to seek out this opportunity if they want to improve their chances of being selected next time. In fact, the Army will help your with your future tuition and even help you pay back your past student loans on top of any bonuses you may receive initially as an officer. It is a win win situation all around.
Anthony/Riverside, CA.
anthony.gordon@yahoo.com
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