A tour not of duty, but of enjoyment

2015-11-24

With the help of Brandon Wood and David Brown, and in collaboration with the Connecting Veterans Employee Resource Group (ConVERG), Johnson Space Center opened its gates to a few veterans for an in-depth tour of enjoyment. The Nov. 13 tour participants gained knowledge of commercial crew partners, robotics, spacesuits and the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL)—among other key technologies critical to human spaceflight.

Kicking off the tour in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, Eva Wojtkowska, Edward Adams and Curt Geter scored a special ride in the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle rover, also known as "the chariot." Rolling over curbs, grass, and pulling extraordinary maneuvers, this was a science-fiction ride come to life for these veterans. The mobility chassis of the chariot’s wheels are able to pivot 360 degrees, allowing it to drive in any direction. The chariot can simulate driving over Mars, Earth and the moon.

Dennis Davidson gave the group an overview on the commercial space companies NASA has partnered with and what they are doing to enhance space travel. Davidson brought up how these companies were the cost effective way to go, bringing economic growth back to American soil.

The invited guests were amazed at the tight fit inside the Soyuz mock-up. The small size is due to the hard landing the Soyuz makes, which must be able to withstand an incredible impact upon reentry.

Geter said of the Soyuz, “I don’t think I could travel for that long in such a cramped place. I would need to stretch my legs out.”

Later on, the group learned of the docking of Zarya and Unity in 1998—the joining of the first rooms which would become the International Space Station—and could envision how space truly is the great equalizer.

An accidental run-in with Dr. Glynn Lunney, an original flight director during the Gemini and Apollo Programs, left everyone feeling a little star struck, NASA style, especially when he touched upon the “good old Apollo days” with NASA legend Gene Kranz.

This tour was an excellent opportunity for three of our nation’s brave veterans to see and experience what NASA does for the future of America—as well as a thank-you to them for their service to the country. While their tour gave them a look at the past, they also saw the building blocks currently underway for JSC’s next steps into deep space—the journey to Mars.

Amelia Hill

NASA Johnson Space Center

Veteran Curt Geter having the ride of his life in the chariot. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Tour participants look in wonder at the awe-inspiring mock-ups in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at JSC. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Edward Adams and Geter outside Rocket Park, showing their appreciation for NASA. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair