Citizens for Space Exploration of the Cocoa Beach Area

This picture was taken of the Blast Off reception, before we headed out to Washington D.C.!

Back from D.C....but now off to Houston

I had a great time in Washington D.C. I did not get to do much sightseeing but my group and I were definitely busy with our appointments. Most of our appointments were with the Senators and Representatives from Virginia, and a Senator from Nevada. In each appointment, we took turns expressing ourselves of the benefits of NASA and how they have impacted our lives.

I now have to go pack to catch a flight to Houston. Tomorrow I will be participating in a mission simulation with the LESS (Leading Edge Subsystem) group which will involve inspecting in-flight imagery for any discrepancies on the RCC (Reinforced Carbon-Carbon). RCC is used to protect the Orbiter's nose cap, chin panel, and wing leading edges from the highest expected temperatures and aerodynamic forces. It also is used in the arrowhead area at the forward section of the orbiter where the external tank is attached. I'm very interested in learning more with the LESS group as I have mostly been involved with the TPS imagery.

Well...off I go to pack and catch another plane... :)

Off to Washington D.C.....

27 teams have been organized by the Citizens for Space Exploration for their annual Congressional office visits to show and voice their support for Vision for Space Exploration. My flight leaves in the morning and I still need to pack. I've been working on school all weekend so I don't get behind while I'm in D.C.

Let me tell you about Saturday....I participated in the 2007 Muddy Buddy and it was a blast! Except for one thing....
The race was supposed to be a Bike/Run type of trail. I started off running and my "buddy" started off biking. Obviously, he would reach the first obstacle course, drop the bike, and run to the next obstacle course. Then I would finish the first obstacle course and jump on the bike to ride to the next one so we could switch out. However, it didn't quite work out that way. At the first obstacle course, I couldn't find the bike!!! I spent 15 minutes looking for it. So I had to run to the next course....As I was hoping that my "buddy" and the bike would be there after I completed the second obstacle course, I was so wrong. I spent about another 10 minutes looking for the bike and had to keep on running. Mind you, its about 1.5 miles between each obstacle. So I'm a little tired at this point and frustrated as other teams are at least getting the "break" from running by switching off to the bike. I finally arrive to the 3rd obstacle and found my "buddy"!! It just so happened that some lady took off with our bike and hydration pack! She thought it was hers, which I didn't understand because our race number was on the bike! So I finally get my one chance on the bike and when I reached the 4th obstacle, it was back to running until I reached the 5th obstacle...THE MUD PIT. The person who arrived with the bike at the obstacle had to wait for the runner teammember and it was required to crawl through the mud pit together before reaching the finish line. The obstacle courses were really cool: balance beams, rock wall/ropes, rope wall/slide, and over/under bars. It was such a great event. However, I am a little sore! I didn't take my camera so I am waiting for my friend to send me pictures of us during the event. I'm still trying to get the mud stains out of my running gear.


::UPDATE:: Space Shuttle Atlantis will be rolling out on Wednesday around 4am!!! Don't be surprised however when you see the External Tank looking a little "speckled"!

Everyone have a great week. I'll be sure to post up pictures of Muddy Buddy when I get them...but for sure be prepared for some Washington D.C pictures during the week!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mothers Day to all you mothers out there. My mom was going to come up and spend the weekend with me, but she had some business issues to take care of...however, i'll get to see her next weekend. This was the shirt I was going to wear today to embarrass her wherever we went...Guess I'll have to embarrass her next weekend. :)

And the winners are.....

We had a tie! The grand prize winners for the 2007 NASA Means Business Student Competition were:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Website: http://morethanrocketscience.com

Arizona State University/Art Institute of Phoenix - (ASPIRE)
Website: http://www.mc2e.org

Let me summarize this competition. We need a strategy to engage middle and high school students in the fields of Math and Science. The current methods of teaching are no longer effective. The same methods that are used in the classroom today are the same methods educators have used for decades. We to have to reach out to the students using methods that they can relate to and tailor activites to grasp their attention. We live in a world today that is changing rapidly similarly to the new technology for communication at their fingertips. These students in the competition used their collaborative creativity to generate methods to target young students and their educators.

In my opinion, all teams did an outstanding job. Now that I have entered the workforce, I do miss one thing about college. The enthusiasm. All these students were enthusiastic and passionate about the subject with a "we-can-do-it" attitude. They all inspired and motivated me in many ways. I was able to make some new relationships with these students and offered my help in either as a speaker at events/schools or answering any questions they may have. I left very impressed and hope these students continue to make a difference and reach out to the public. I enjoyed the oppportunity in judging this event.

STS-117 ET Tank Foam Repairs Continue

In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), foam repairs for the External Tank (ET-124) to be used for STS-117 (launch date June 8) continue. Spray foam repairs began last week on the top of the ET. Currently, Atlantis is scheduled to rollout to launch pad 39A on May 16.
(NASA KSC)

View some great talent!

You have to take a look at these sites! This week I am a judge for the NASA Means Business Student Competition and yesterday the 7 finalists presented their strategies on ways to encourage math and science in middle and high school students, as well as the general public. Along with their presentations, each team was required to develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA). Finalists were encouraged to employ the tools of advertising, marketing, communication, radio, television, film, journalism, etc. You can view some of the GREAT work these students developed on their websites. Tomorrow me and the rest of the judges will decide the grand prize winner! I'd love to hear what you think of their work! Post a comment!


Bentley-Boston University
http://www.bnmb.org

Miami International University
http://www.marstwenty20.com

University of Houston- Clear Lake
http://www.whatsitgoodfor.com

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
http://stnt.tamucc.edu

University of Northern Iowa
http://www.uninmb.com

Arizona State University/Art Institute of Phoenix - (ASPIRE)
http://www.mc2e.org

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)
http://morethanrocketscience.com


Today the Citizens for Space Exploration from the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce had the Blast Off Reception! Next week we will be traveling to Washington D.C to demonstrate our support for space and the vision for space exploration to our elected officials. We had a great reception which included a performance by Chris Kahl with his song "Rocket Boys". John Newstreet from Senator Martinez's office, Cheryl Moore of Rep. Feeny's office, and Fred Kirschstein of Rep. Weldon's office were all there to share kind supportive words to the travelers.

After the reception, I was ready to head home, do some school work...until I realized my keys were in the ignition and all my doors were locked. The first phrase that came to my head was "You gotta be kidding me!". With some great help, someone was able pop the lock with a hanger, and I was finally on my way home after a long day.

The crazy month of MAY!!!

Balancing school, work, and my personal life has been a whirlwind lately. The month of May, especially, is going to be very busy!

I am excited for next week as I will be a judge for the 2007 NASA Means Business Student Competition here at KSC. I will be rating and ranking the team finalists that have been working on their proposals since Fall 2006 on how NASA can better promote science and math among middle and high school students, as well as the general public. On May 7-9, I will participate in the Ninth Annual Customer Engagement Conference at KSC where the grand prize recipient will be selected and announced!!! The team finalists are Arizona State University and The Art Institute of Phoenix (ASPIRE), Bentley College and Boston University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida), Miami International University, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, University of Houston - Clear Lake, and University of Northern Iowa!!!!! I will definitely post some pictures and recap the conference.

May 12th, I will be in the MUDDY BUDDY RIDE & RUN! It is a trail running and biking race, 6-7 miles with 5 obstacle courses, including the infamous MUD PIT!!!

Then the following week will be my trip to Washington D.C with the Citizens for Space Exploration. I am very appreciative that the organization will be sponsoring me to attend along with other students from different states. I can't wait to attend this function as I will voice to Congress how space exploration benefits us all and the importance of full funding for NASA.

I saw this article last week that Stephen Hawking got to experience microgravity!!! I especially liked his comment for his motive on experiencing microgravity:

"Many people have asked me why I am taking this flight. I am doing it for many reasons," he said before the flight. "First of all, I believe that life on Earth is at an ever increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus, or other dangers. I think the human race has no future if it doesn't go into space. I therefore want to encourage public interest in space."

F.Y.I.....Rollout for Atlantis (STS-117) should be sometime in the middle of May!!!

Some pictures from this weekend...

This weekend a friend from college came to visit me as she will be moving to Turkey soon on a work assignment. She had never visited KSC, so we took the KSC Up Close Tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone that hasn't taken it yet. It is very informational and the tour guides do a great job in giving the right information. We stopped by the launch pads, VAB (which looks like the paint job is almost complete), and the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). Shown in the pictures are the ESA's Columbus laboratory and Japan's Kimo RMS module. We also visited the Apollo/Saturn building which provided a great reenactment of a Saturn V launch from the Launch Control Center. They even simulated the windows rattling due to the vibration of the launch. It was awesome! After the tour we walked around the vistor center and found that this summer, the new attraction "Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility" will be opening! Can't wait!

We also made time to visit Epcot and they have this new ride called Mission Space. You have two choices with this ride. With spinning and without. We did the "with spinning" version. I definitely felt about 2 1/2 G's. It reminded me of when I rode in the "vomit comet" and the transition my stomach felt going into microgravity. Definitely my favorite ride! Well, I had a fun weekend..but now I have to catch up on school work! I have midterms coming up next week! (ahh!)

And the new launch dates are..... "drumroll please"

June 8 (STS-117), August 9 (STS-118), October 20 (STS-120), December 6 (STS-122)....Those are the new launch dates for 2007. Get excited! :) As hurricane season begins June 1, I just hope Mother Nature doesn't bring us more surprises.

At the end of the May there may be a LESS/RCC imagery inspection simulation that I might attend. It's still in talk, but I really hope I get to attend the sim. It's similar to the imagery inspection I have been involved in with the tiles/blankets/gap fillers, however, this would include performing an imagery inspection of the nose cap, chin panel, wing leading-edge panels, and the forward ET attachment. It's a different area of expertise to learn about on the Orbiter, so I hope I get a chance to go out for the sim.

Today I received an e-mail saying I was approved for an over-the-limit credit registration. It sounded like a congratulatory e-mail, but I wasn't quite sure if I was supposed to be very enthusiastic at that point. I am registering for another class (yes, this will be class #4) this term that begins May 7. It begins in an overlapping term and the reason I wanted to take it on top of my other classes is to not have to take three classes next term. After these 4 classes, I will only have 2 classes left that I will be taking together, and I will then be complete with my graduation requirements by October if all goes as planned.

Oh and by the way.....4 hours, 24 minutes....Astronaut Sunita Williams finishes the Boston Marathon (26.2 miles)...IN SPACE! She's too cool! (Click here for the article)

Update on STS-117 Launch Date

Well it looks like launch would be no earlier than June 8th. We will be sticking with the current tank that has been undergoing repairs instead of swapping it out with a new one. Roll out to the launch pad could possibly be as early as May 6th. (Yey!)
Photo: NASA-KSC












Today I attended another planning session meeting with the Citizens for Space Exploration as we get closer to our Washington D.C trip. I offered to generate a list of recent NASA spinoff technology by state that can be helpful to use as talking points during our congressional appointments.

Yawning....

My new niece...Haley Ann

As we await tomorrows meeting.....

Tomorrow, the program managers will meet to decide which external tank to use for STS-117. The meeting is to occur no earlier than 6pm. We shall await the outcome!

So let me recap the week.

One of the classes I am taking is called Aviation & Aerospace Accident Investigation & Safety Systems. I love the class. I had to turn in an interesting assignment in which I kept a record over 4 days to determine my sleep debt. My professor considered 7 hours to be the norm for sleep in this assignment. To make a long story short, I only get 5 hours of sleep a night. We had to keep record of the effects of fatigue from lack of sleep and let's just say I can use more sleep! Haha. The assignment was in the form of a sleep matrix (below).














I commented to the professor that a schedule similar to this is used for astronauts during missions. The whole mission is planned out with a detailed schedule which includes their sleep time. Making sure astronauts obtain enough sleep is critical during a mission as it could effect their task performance, EVA's, and crewmembers working together. So the sleep matrix is definitively a useful tool.

So school has been going well with the exception of me having a little difficulty with my graduate research paper. It's been a little difficult forming my problem statement and hypothesis. Today I had a little help from a fellow coworker so I will see if my professor thinks my new problem statement/hypothesis is acceptable.


The best news last week was that my niece was born on Friday. Her name is Haley Ann. My sister is coming from Seattle for a whole month in June so I can spend time with both of my nieces. I love when my niece comes to visit because she watches the NASA channel with me. Ha ha! She knows the word "Space" and says astronaut like "Atronot". The coolest thing is that we both have matching astronaut toothbrushes. I know, I know, kinda cheesy....but I love it!



By the way...If you are or know someone who is an undergraduate student enrolled in a Florida university or community college..see if they may me interested in the Space Academy Program. I found the site while doing some research! Website

The Space Blanket

I've been doing some research for school on commercialized spinoffs that are a result of NASA technology. There are so many useful and life-saving spinoffs used by all of us today which effect our everyday lives! I came across one technology that I have used before, and was not even aware that it was a NASA spinoff! In January I ran my first half-marathon and just after the finish line they provided us with a "Space Blanket"). I knew the intent of the "space blanket" when I received mine, but I 1.) did not know it was referred to as a "Space Blanket" and 2.) did not know it derived from NASA technology. (photo)

The material is made of a strong, plastic, vacuum-metallized film with an efficient, infrared-reflective coating of aluminum applied as a vapor. The thin silver insulation has been used on manned and unmanned missions, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and has served as part of many more applications as well. Since the mid-70's, these space blankets have been distributed to runners to ensure minimum heat loss in their bodies and prevent hypothermia.

As I came across this doing my research, it was a coincident that in the news, Astronaut Suni Williams, will be running next month's Boston Marathon! The only difference is that she will be on a treadmill in space instead of in Boston. (Here's the news release on Suni!)

Endeavor's (OV-105) Nose Landing Gear

Florida Today Photographer Michael R. Brown took this picture of me before the article was released last week. In the picture, I am standing next to Endeavor's (OV-105) Nose Landing Gear Doors (NLGD). I felt this was a good picture to share with you as it is close up enough to see the nose landing gear retracted in the lower forward fuselage. At the time the picture was taken, technicians were working on the NLGD, so that is the extra stuff you see taped on the tiles.

When the Orbiter approaches the runway for landing, the landing gear is deployed while the Orbiter is gliding at about 267 mph. Touchdown of the main landing gear occurs as the Orbiter reaches about 215 mph!!! Then at about 213 mpg the nose landing gear wheels touch the runway. The landing gear tires have a life of one flight.

I'm featured in Florida Today!!

There is an article on me in Florida Today. Check it out!

In the VAB...

Here are pictures from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Red dye is applied to external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents. The red dye is sanded away and a vacuum hose is used to remove excess particles. Several service platforms were arranged around the Shuttle to provide access for the technicians to repair the damages on the ET and the Orbiter caused by the hail storm.

Happy Tuesday!

This evening I went to the BCC Planetarium where Bruce Melnick gave a talk about his astronaut experiences. The event was held to support the Citizens for Space Exploration raise money to sponsor students to join us in the annual Washington D.C trip this May. The students will join as advocates of the space program and help us gain support from our Senators and members of Congress.

I am more occupied with school this term than I was the last. However, I am really enjoying the classes. As a graduation requirement, I have to complete my Graduate Capstone Project and I am in the processes of finalizing my research topic. It will somewhere along the lines of researching why there is a lack of awareness among the public about the value and benefits of space exploration. I'll be conducting surveys to the general public to understand their perspective.

I've also been working out a lot lately! Also in May, I am going to be participating in the 2007 Muddy Buddy Ride & Run. I'd explain it, but the title says it all. It's basically a biking/running obstacle course with a giant mud pit finish line at the end. I'm excited!!!

At work, we're all still waiting to hear about the ET repair assessment/new launch date. Here's the latest info I have:

"Space Shuttle Atlantis, now parked in high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, continues to undergo inspection for hail damage. Special scaffolding and access platforms have been erected to allow for the mapping and inspection of the external fuel tank, and repair methods and criteria are being developed.

Repairs to the orbiter's thermal protection system tiles are nearly complete, and technicians are preparing to conduct non-destructive evaluation of the vehicle's reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the left wing leading edge using thermography equipment.

Shuttle program managers plan to meet next week to assess the damage and repair status. "

Here's something cool.....How would you like to win a ZERO-G flight!?!
The ZERO-G raffle is being sponsored by Jacobs Engineering -- the prize is a flight on the ZERO-G Corporation's "G-Force One" aircraft (which simulates weightlessness) and $600 toward airfare and hotel (with a total prize value worth over $4200). This is a nationwide raffle, with the drawing taking place live at the Yuri's Night Houston party. Raffle tickets are $5 each, and will be available online at http://www.yurisnighthouston.net/zerog.php until April 10th, 2007. You can also purchase them in person at the YN Houston party on April 12th until approximately 8PM. You can purchase as many tickets as you like and do not have to be present to win. (You get one free entry with admission to Yuri's Night!

Since I'm not in Houston....I'll be entering for a chance online. I did experience microgravity on the KC-135 during NASA's RGSFOP and had a blast! Honestly, being in microgravity in the KC-135 (a.k.a Vomit Comet) has been one of my most memorable moments EVER!

GOOD LUCK!! http://www.yurisnighthouston.net/zerog.php

Going to see Astronaut Bruce Melnick next week!

Today I attended a meeting with the Citizens for Space Exploration. It was a planning session as we prepare to take our trip to Washington D.C in May to advocate the space program to Senators and members of Congress. To have students representatives from all states attend the trip with us, we are holding a fundraising event next week (March 20) where Astronaut Bruce Melnick will speak about his experiences in space at the BCC Planetarium. I bought my tickets today!! I've heard Bruce is a very charismatic speaker so I am looking forward to hearing about his experiences and shaking hands with him!

Break Over.....Back-2-School....

I just got my grade for the three courses I took this last term! 2 A's and 1 B!! It was the first term that I attempted 3 courses and I did it! And now I'm doing it again. This week my next term starts and the three courses I am taking are Aviation/Aerospace Accident Investigation & Safety Systems, Memory and Cognition, and Methods and Procedures for the Graduate Capstone Project. After this term I will have only two courses left to receive my first masters! I'm excited!

The BEST Friday EVER thanks to Ridley High School!!!!

On Friday, I got home late from work and was extremely exhausted! However, when I went to get the mail, I found a thick envelope that contained thank you letters from each Ridley High School student that sat through the presentation I did for them during National Engineers Week. This posting is a special 'thank you' to each and every student who took the time in writing such kind words. Many asked questions relating to my career, engineering, or the Space Shuttle, and I plan on taking the time in answering each letter as each of the students took the time to thank me. I wish I could post all of the comments from the students because they were so inspiring, and I read how my presentation had an impact on their future decisions. Below are just a few (and I mean a few, of the comments:

Dear Ms. Sarria,
Thank you very much for coming all the way from Florida to come to talk to us about your job. I thought it was the most interesting guest speaker we had by far. It was also really neat to see how you are a young woman in such a high field. I really look up to you for that. I thought the coolest thing you talked about was experiencing zero gravity when you proposed that experiment. That is something I would seriously want to do because of my love for roller coasters. Ever since I was little I had always wanted to go to space or even just be in a space ship when it launched. I hope that some day you will be lucky enough to be able to go to space. Good Luck! And thank you once again.
Sincerely, Keely Emery

Dear Ms. Sarria,
Thank you for coming to Ridley High School to tell us about your job. I think it is really cool how you are a rocket scientist. I can not believe I just met a woman who has already achieved so much in her life. I think the zero gravity experiment was interesting. That would be fun to try when I get older. Thank you so much for coming to my school.
Sincerely, Sarah Rutter

Dear Ms. Sarria,
Thank you for coming to talk to our class. You were much better than the stock broker who put us all to sleep. Good luck becoming an astronaut. Thanks again.
Sincerely, Jeff Dugan
P.S Can you take this letter to space

Dear Miss Sarria,
Thank you for taking the time to fly out of state and talk to us about your career and background. I think that an Aerospace Engineer might have fun doing that job because they get to work with all parts of the Orbiter. I thought that the tiles were neat. In addition, it was interesting how your group of students were able to run experiments on a special plane. I think engineering is a cool field because I used to build robots for school and it's amazing that you can build so many things. I know people who worked for Boeing and some were engineers on some of their projects and it is fun to talk to them about what they do. When I am older, I plan to go into the engineering or medical field. Thank you again for coming to talk to us and good luck with your career and applying to be an astronaut.
Sincerely, Tim Kirk

Dear Ms. Sarria,
Thanks so much for coming to our school and teaching us about rocket science stuff. It is very interesting that a one inch piece of tile can sustain that high amount of heat. I never knew that rocket science can be so much fun!! After your presentation, I was thinking about joining a team from NASA. I have a question though, was it hard for you to become a rocket scientist? Well keep up the good work and hopefully you'll go into space.
Sincerely, Reed Anderson

Dear Ms. Sarria,
Thank you for coming and talking about your career as a Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection Systems Engineer at Kennedy Space Center. It seems as if you enjoy your job very much and it is an awesome career to have. It must be amazing working on parts of the space shuttle that actually go into space. I really look up to you for being a minority, as a woman in this field. I know for sure I would like to be some kind of engineer. Your presentation made me very interested in what you do and I am thinking about going to college for it. I have a few questions for you. Do you enjoy what you do? If so, how much? What are some of the classes you had to take in college? When you graduated high school, did you know what you wanted to be? I wish you luck in your goal of becoming an astronaut.
Sincerely, Brigette McGinn

Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.

On Saturday, I went to Tampa and visited Big Cat Rescue. It's a sanctuary for wild cats. I was able to witness the goodness this non-profit organization provides to wild cats who were previously mistreated and abused. I became knowledgeable in the behavior and characteristics of the wild cat from my tour guide, Denny. The tour made me very aware of the cruelty and mishaps these animals have been through. Here are some pictures from my visit!

Before Atlantis Rolls Back to the VAB

I figured I'd get a picture with me and Space Shuttle Atlantis before she rolls back to the VAB for repairs due to the hail damage from Monday evening.

My visit to the press site

I had never been at the press site until this afternoon. Behind me in the picture is the launch countdown clock. And if you look really closely at the picture, you can see the top of Space Shuttle Atlantis's External Tank in between me and the countdown clock. I have never been at the press site during a launch, but I think I will for this next launch. It would be exciting to see the media do their live coverage during the launch and there is a great view from the press site as well!

Pegasus Barge

This is a picture of the Pegasus barge which is towed from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. This is how the external tanks are transported to Kennedy Space Center! Here's a series of pictures to show you how the external tank arrives to the Vehicle Assembly Building to get ready to mate to the Solid Rocket Boosters and the Orbiter.

Launch delayed due to hail damage

I'm sure you're aware by now of the hail damage to the external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Below is a picture of some of the damages found on the external tank from the strong thunderstorm Monday evening. Here's a picture of a large piece of hail from that evening and some damages to the external tank. This impact will require the shuttle stack to be moved back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for repairs, delaying launch on a space station assembly mission from March 15 to late April.

Talking to Ridley High School

I just got home from Pennsylvania. Here are some pictures from the talk I did at Ridley High School today. By the way, Happy National Engineers Week!! :)

This past weekend!

Thursday through Saturday I attended the annual conference in Orlando, FL. for Women in Aviation International. I had a blast networking with people from all over and listening about the different professions and leadership positions the women are in. The guest speakers were phenomenal as well (among them was Bonnie Dunbar).

After the conference, I hopped on a plane to Philadelphia, PA. as I will be speaking to Ridley High School on Tuesday. My friend, Melissa, is a teacher at the high school and I am currently staying with her. When I arrived into town, we decided to take a train into New York as I had never visited the city. Despite the freezing weather, we saw a lot in one day! Some of the highlights from the day trip were Rockefeller Center, seeing the Broadway musical The Color Purple, World Trade Center ground zero site, Times Square, Empire State Building, and so much more! I had a great time and will definitely be going back, but when the weather warms up. Below is a slideshow that captures some of my special moments. I'll be sure to post some pictures from my talk at Ridley High School tomorrow.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Roll Out

Space Shuttle Atlantis rolled out to LC-39A. Here are some pictures a co-worker took as I was unable to be there.....Enjoy!!!

One more semester complete!

Well first off, I am relieved to say that I am through with my 3 grad courses I was taking! 3 research papers: DONE! Three finals: DONE! Next semester I will be taking three more, then two the following...and I will have a Masters in Aeronautical Science.

Yesterday I went to my first meeting with the Citizens for Space Exploration in Cocoa Beach. The organization conducts an annual trip to Washington D.C to express to Congressmen and Senators the value and benefits of space exploration. What I strongly admire about the organization is the interest of the people. The name says it all. "CITIZENS" for Space Exploration. Not everyone is an engineer, scientist, or directly works in the space industry, BUT they do have a passion to support America's investment in space exploration.

Thursday through Saturday I will be attending the annual Women in Aviation International conference. There are some good leadership workshops and seminars planned and it will be a great networking opportunity! Then after the conference is through, I will be flying to Pennsylvania. Next week I will be talking with the students of Ridley High School. I just hope the "winter" weather cooperates!

At 7am tomorrow, Space Shuttle Atlantis is planned to move out of the VAB and roll out to the LC-39A. March 15th, here we come!!!

On my lunch break.....

During a lunch break and I went to visit LC-19. 27 launches occurred from LC-19, 10 of them were manned. This was the launch pad that launched America's first two-manned mission, first spacewalk, first spacecraft rendezvous/docking and space emergency, and other historic events all began here when astronauts rode their Gemini-Titan vehicles into orbit.


Launch Complex 19
















The remains of the launch umbilical tower
















Me standing next to the flame deflector (bottom) and hold-down arms (top)

Google "Solar System" Maps???

Google has signed on to help 19 universities and laboratories with an ambitious telescope project in Chile. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope will have a 27.5-foot diameter and will produce 200 terabytes worth of images each week.

Instead of financing the project, Google will be help the scientists organize data. The search-engine giant is also reportedly going to make that information "accessible." Might that mean Google will make the images public via "Google Solar System?" After all, we already do have these limited maps of Mars and the moon.

Check these sites out!!

http://www.google.com/mars

http://moon.google.com



article:http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-01/uoa-gjl010507.php

LC-39A awaiting Atlantis for STS-117 launch!!!!

Where were you on February 1, 2003?

The morning the accident happened, I was driving from College Station, TX. to Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Family and friends were calling me as they knew I was supporting the mission.

I, along with other co-workers from the Spacecraft Technology Center at Texas A&M, were supporting the payload operations of StarNav I. StarNAV I was a star-tracker experiment built by STC at Texas A&M onboard Columbia's SpaceHab payload module.



About three days prior to the end of mission, we had finished receiving all the data we needed during the mission and were able to go back home to College Station. The next time we needed to go back to JSC was during landing to pick up our stuff. When I was driving back to Houston, I thought I was going to pick up our binders, computers, and other belongings. As I arrived at Johnson Space Center, there were balloons and flowers at the front gate from locals who were impacted from the accident. As I walked through the halls at JSC, it was quiet. The JSC community was sad, disappointed, and mourning the loss of 7 friends.



We were unable to take any of our belongings with us. We had to back-up our data on CDs and then our data and hardware were confiscated. We were able to retrieve everything at a later date once the investigation was underway.

You can view the 13 minutes of flight deck audio and video recovered before the tragedy occurred: Click HERE

The 28th and final flight of Columbia (STS-107) was a 16-day mission dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences. The seven astronauts aboard Columbia worked 24 hours a day, in two alternating shifts, successfully conducting approximately 80 separate experiments. On February 1, 2003, Columbia and its crew were lost over the southern United States during the spacecraft's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.