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Launch America: Repost from July 8th, 2011

Our launch attempt yesterday of the Demo-2 mission was scrubbed due to weather. It's Florida. In May. So, none of us are surprised, but it's still a bummer! On the bright side it means another 4 hour block of launch coverage on Saturday (5/30), leading up to a new launch time of 3:22pm EDT, set your clocks!

To keep things interesting I have a couple more throwback blog posts to share! If you missed the last few days of throwbacks, check those out here, here and here. The repost below was originally published on July 8th, 2011 -- a year and half into my first job post-college as a civilian Flight Test Engineer for the Army. Ironically, one of the Demo-2 astronauts, Bob Behnken, was also a former Flight Test Engineer (although in the Air Force). It's neat to recognize these parallels and feel connected to such amazing space pioneers! 

I've also been sharing lots of fun behind-the-scenes on my Instagram stories, so be sure to hit follow over here! 
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Today was this nation's last Space Shuttle launch.

 

In that post-ignition plume were the dreams of many, whose ingenuity, integrity and intellect fueled this country's longest-running spacecraft program. Just as the plume expands, so also did Space Shuttle expand our knowledge of space, microgravity, and the engineering required to get there. Space Shuttle no doubt inspired millions (this humble aerospace engineer and blogger included) to reach for their dreams. The fiery hopes it leaves in its path will only work to launch the next generation of human-rated space vehicles. 

And as we look skyward with great nostalgia, we must remember to look onward. Onward towards missions to Mars, with Type 1 Diabetics on board. Onward towards maintaining safe access to space. Onward towards building a program that will pick up where Shuttle left off, a program that will inspire the next round of astronaut hopefuls and engineers, a program that will inject patriotism and encourage innovation.


Today may have been this nation's last Space Shuttle launch.
But tomorrow is this nation's first day toward inspiring the next generation.
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