Pilot, Astronaut, Leader! Oh my!

TL;DR

NASA collaborates with STEM Next to emphasize the significance of science and engineering in their work through the Million Girls Moonshot initiative.

Transcript

good afternoon everyone i'm lindsey thornton with nasa langley research center here in hampton virginia nasa and the stem next opportunity fund are pleased to collaborate on today's special program through the million girls moonshot we are excited to share with you the importance of science and engineering in nasa's work now today's program will be... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 The Million Girls Moonshot initiative aims to emphasize the importance of science and engineering in NASA's work, encouraging young girls to pursue careers in these fields.
• 💦 Pam Melroy's career journey as an astronaut, test pilot, and leader showcases the diverse paths to working at NASA.
• 🎟️ Major missions like crew rotations, the James Webb Telescope launch, and Artemis One mission to the moon highlight NASA's ongoing efforts in space exploration and science.
• 👨‍🚀 Engineers play diverse roles in space, including design, analysis, integration, and operations, while astronauts on the space station engage in experiments, maintenance, and repairs.
• 🌠 Space offers unique experiences, with strange sensations like weightlessness and the opportunity to witness phenomena like lightning, sprites, and shooting stars from a completely different perspective.
• 🏑 Preparation for a NASA career involves studying STEM fields, developing problem-solving skills, and cultivating qualities like teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the role of an aerospace engineer in space and on the International Space Station?

Aerospace engineers have various roles, including designing new hardware and software, analyzing systems, integrating components, and ensuring human operability. On the space station, they engage in experiments, maintenance, and repairs, and sometimes even perform spacewalks.

Q: What does it feel like to be weightless in space? Is it similar to swimming?

Being weightless in space feels different from swimming. While neutrally buoyant in water, space offers a completely unique sensation. It allows for movements impossible on Earth and creates a strange sense of low energy and relaxation.

Q: Can astronauts see asteroids from space?

It's challenging to observe asteroids in space when looking away from Earth, especially if they approach from the direction of the Sun. However, pieces of asteroids or space junk re-entering Earth's atmosphere below can be seen as streaks or meteor-like flashes.

Q: What can students do to prepare for a career at NASA?

Students should study STEM fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to gain a solid foundation. Additionally, they should engage in team activities, practicing teamwork and leadership skills, which are crucial in collaborative space missions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA and STEM Next are partnering to promote the importance of science and engineering through the Million Girls Moonshot initiative.

• Pam Melroy, the Deputy Administrator of NASA, joins the program to discuss her remarkable career journey, including being an astronaut and commanding a space shuttle.

• Major missions occurring this year include bringing a crew home from the space station, launching the next crew, and the launch of the James Webb Telescope and Artemis One mission to the moon.