The guy that runs it (my cousin) has created a safe supportive environment where people can push the envelope of rockets and space. Everyone there is so focused on the experiments and tests they're doing. It is a joy to watch all that passion being nurtured and exercised.
Mojave has also brought a lot of jobs to this part of the state. There's not much out there, but the folks at the Space Port are constantly looking for ways to create partnerships and bring industry into that community. Old planes come there before they get recycled; metal wheels get refurbished there; long windmill blades are housed there for the nearby wind farm. Numerous jobs have been created, the area is being spruced up - it's great community building!
At NASA Dryden we got to see many of the planes that have made history. Breaking the sound barrier; skimming the endosphere; exploring new galaxies - these are the people and this is the place that make that happen.
We also got to go on the F-18 flight simulator. Wow! It was amazing to sit where our pilots sit and use the same test equipment to practice landing an F-18. I managed to land it with only a few bounces - of course on the easiest setting. My niece spun it head over tail and my dad missed the runway completely on his first attempt. He did get to roll the plane though. It's incredibly challenging and I have tremendous respect for those who pull it off everyday in much more stressful circumstances.
NASA is doing some great things with our tax dollars and they are in line to make even more breakthroughs. You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm of all the people there. They are doing something they love and have passion for and it's incredibly inspiring. The innovations being made and the boundaries being expanded are a amazing. I feel very lucky to have been able to witness it.
No comments:
Post a Comment