Go For It! (JSC135 Tweetup – Part 1)
Sitting in the cockpit of this simulator would be identical to being in the cockpit of the real shuttle - the motion based simulator even tilts up 90 degrees to put you on your back for launch. Since STS-135 was now in orbit and the last shuttle mission to fly, this simulator was going to be decommissioned only a few days after the JSC Tweetup. To me, this was the closest I was ever going to get to being an astronaut, so I felt like it was a now or never opportunity.
Read MoreAl Worden at KSC – May 2, 2010
"On my third trip out I stood up on the outside of the service module – you figure we’re 50,000 miles this side of the moon and 200,000 miles from Earth – hooked my feet to the foot restraints and stood up and just looked around and – unbelievable site, I could see both the Earth and the Moon in the same phase. Really, really weird place to be, you know."
Read MoreWe’re All On The Same Team (#sctweetup – Part 6)
Our Discovery crew had just finished our simulated shuttle mission and we were feeling quite chumy with one other - back slaps, fist bumps and all. This despite our Commander's attempt to lock Jessica and I outside the shuttle during our fiery re-entry proved that we were a tight, unflappable team willing to sacrifice for the greater good of our fellow teammates.
Read MoreThe Color Coated Shuttle Mission (#sctweetup – Part 5)
After a few more minutes and stripped of our extra layer of EVA gear, Jessica and I crawled back up the tunnel and through the cabin hatch. We were still unaware of the fact that technically, we were dead.
Read MoreNeeds More Bouncy Chair (#sctweetup – Part 4)
I made it to the end of the tunnel which put me in a small, dark, closet-like room. I looked back through the tunnel to let my instructor know I made it through ok, but instead saw the hatch close and heard the latch click to the locked position. On all fours I looked back up the dark tunnel, "They locked me out!"
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