I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia. My heart goes out to those brave souls, and their families.
I have nothing new to contribute except my personal ties to the Columbia, so rather than rehash over everything the media is (over)reporting, I will describe how I am personally affected.
I was fortunate enough to write software for the Multifunction Display Unit (MDU). The MDU is a rugged, high-performance LCD display that is part of the space shuttle cockpit upgrade in the late 90s. The "glass cockpit" upgrade replaced the vintage electromechanical gauges and readouts, which were no longer readily available (read: expensive), with LCD screens and menu buttons. (I have some mock-up cockpit pictures that I can post, if anyone is interested.)
Part of the MDU program was an onsite visit from NASA astronauts, who were personally there to see the displays and to approve the screen layouts. They flew their fighter jets into our local airport, and wore their flight suits during their visit. They were friendly and personable, but with a confident, no-nonsense air of professionalism at the same time. These astronauts were among the most impressive people I have ever met, in both achievement and character.
All of the orbiters now have glass cockpits, with nine forward MDUs and two aft ones, running my software.
So did Columbia.
Another way I was affected is in my discussion with my wife, Lori, about whether to apply to NASA as an astronaut candidate -- a mission specialist. I started seriously thinking about it last year, and we have been periodically talking about the pros and cons. I have all the forms, and I've started to fill them out, but before sending them in we have to be prepared to 1) relocate, 2) have Lori leave her job, and 3) have me take a reduced salary. Our discussions have centered around whether we are socially and financially ready to make that move.
On Saturday, as the TV was describing the astronauts and their families, Lori turned to me and said, "I don't want to be in their place."
That adds another element to the decision. It seems selfish and inconsiderate of me to even think about putting her in that position. But, if I have the ability and desire to contribute to the advancement of the human race through space exploration, it seems almost irresponsible to stand aside in consideration to others. Especially now, after such a blow to NASA, am I needed more than ever? Or are there plenty of others who will step up? What if they are all thinking the same way I do?
If you're interested in how to become an astronaut, you can look here and here.
Thank you, heroes of STS-107. You will be missed.
Posted by Patrick at February 3, 2003 01:02 PM | TrackBack