In April, I worked a NOLS canyons course with a Navy test squandron from California. The pilots and SAR folks were great, as was my co-instructor, and the desert and the canyons didn’t disappoint. But for the first time, I could see my self as a military pilot. While so focused on NASA for so
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Lift Off! In the NASA visitor stands, I watched as friends have the experience of a lifetime – on the top of the Falcon 9 rocket. They’re going more than 100 mph as they clear the tower. They have just begun their journey to the International Space Station. For two of the four, it is
Reaching for the stars … and missing Read More »
Once again, I’m on my way to Antarctica. Currently in New Zealand for some helicopter training (practicing on how to enter and exit a hovering helicopter – quite fun) and soon into the mountains to train on Search and Rescue with the New Zealand field team. None of this training was available to us last
In March, I had the pleasure of working a NOLS course with NASA astronauts and flight directors. (NASA has been sending astronauts to NOLS for decades, after finding that the expedition behavior necessary for a successful mission is exactly the same as what’s necessary for a successful wilderness expedition.) The small group of NASA people
Got an email two weeks ago from NASA that said all the Highly Qualified applicants have had their references checked (none of mine were). Confirmation that I am out of the running for the new class of astronaut candidates, as expected. 12,000 applicants gets reduced to 400 Highly Qualified applicants. They then pick 120 of
I think it’s over. From what I’ve recently gathered from a few sources, of the 12,000+ applicants, the “highly qualified” candidates were separated and their references contacted sometime this past fall. Interviewees (about 120 of them of the 12,000) are then determined from this small group. These folks are now getting called for interviews. Not
Staying on Planet Earth Read More »
Though delayed a few times, NASA is still hoping to announce the new class of astronauts before the end of 2021. My application, along with the applications of over twelve thousand other applicants, have been in their hands for about a year. It’s been a waiting game, maybe all done on purpose to see how
Astronaut Selection Update Read More »